The deadline for submitting proposals for the sixth annual Undergraduate Symposium, a showcase for original research and creative work by UO undergraduates, has been extended to April 1.
The symposium, which will be held May 20, is a special day of oral and poster presentations, creative work installations and artistic live performances that offers a chance to see undergraduate research and engagement in action. Participating students present their work to faculty, peers, graduate students and the community in a format similar to a professional conference.
This year, symposium organizers are hoping to broaden student participation, particularly from the humanities and fine and performing arts, and encourage students in those majors to submit a proposal. Submission guidelines are available on the Undergraduate Symposium website.
“This intellectual engagement with peers, faculty, staff and community members extends the scholarly process to the civic space and celebrates the creation of new knowledge and inspires other students,” said Kevin Hatfield, director of academic residential and research initiatives.
A key component of high-quality undergraduate research is faculty mentorship. Through mentorship, faculty members are able to train future researchers and foster a community of scholars at the UO.
Any faculty members interested in working closely with undergraduates on meaningful research can email ugresearch@uoregon.edu for information on mentoring.
Alani Estrella, a biochemistry major, is working with a peer research group and the Undergraduate Symposium to get more students inspired and involved in research.
“I can speak from personal experience about how important it is to find faculty mentors. They really shape your college experience,” said Alani Estrella, a biochemistry major who is working to get more students inspired and involved in research.
“What I think is so important about this symposium is that it provides a hub for students and faculty to come together not only to speak but to listen to others and find out what they are interested in,” she said. “Many students just need a little push, so I hope that many more get encouraged to participate.”
Students interested in submitting a project for consideration should attend at least one abstract writing workshop to get advice on how to write an abstract and present their work. Peer mentors from NEXUS — the undergraduate research peer group that helps plan the symposium — deliver short presentations and provide tutorial assistance
Abstract workshops are Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Global Scholars Hall, Library Commons (Room 103). To see what presenting is like, check out the symposium archives.
Mandi Severson, a biology major, works with NEXUS because she wants it to become a group that students look to for guidance when they need help navigating undergraduate research.
“I also want NEXUS to be involved with the principal investigators and professors doing the research, because their mentorship is essential for a successful undergraduate research experience,” Severson said. “It is with their encouragement that we gain the confidence to share our research in forums, such as the Undergraduate Symposium, and their feedback that allows us to grow as researchers."
The symposium is sponsored by the Division of Undergraduate Studies, Clark Honors College, University Housing, University Libraries, Division of Equity and Inclusion and Office for Research and Innovation.