UAF Research Day featured more than 100 entries

Elizabeth Smith, center, won the School of Education Dean's Choice Award and third place overall in the annual Research Day awards sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activity. Smith stands between the Nanook mascot bear and her mentor, Assistant Professor of Special Education Joanne Healy. School of Education Dean Steve Atwater is in the background at left.

Zachary Goeden took first place among more than 100 entries during the annual UAF Research Day on April 26.

Goeden, a student in the School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, won the overall competition with his project, "Differential Effects of Sea Star Wasting Syndrome Across Species." He won $2,500.

Second place and $1,000 went to Kirsten Willimas of the School of Natural Resources and Extension for her project, "Hydroelectricity in Alaska: Current and Potential Developments."

Third place and $500 went to Elizabeth Smith of the School of Education for her project, "Sharing with Robots."

This year, Research Day featured 147 undergraduate students with 105 posters or displays. From scientific research to costume design, the entries highlighted activities in seven colleges and schools. Deans judged the entries from their schools and colleges and chose the top entries. These Dean's Choice Award winners each received a $250 cash prize.

From these seven winners, the top three overall winners were chosen by a review panel.

The annual Research Day is hosted by UAF's Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activity. URSA supports, develops and institutionalizes UAF's diverse and robust programs of undergraduate research and creative projects.

Next year, Research Day 2017 will mark the 10th year of celebrating undergraduate research and creative projects at UAF. It will held on April 25, 2017. For more information, please visit the URSA website, www.uaf.edu/ursa.