University of Alabama students advance the boundaries of knowledge and expression through their scholarly research and creative projects, and every year students from across campus share their work with the community at the Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Conference.
More than 400 students are expected to present at this year’s event, set to take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, April 4, in the Bryant Conference Center.
“It gives students real-world experience in articulating their research ideas and findings. It’s something they’ll have to do if they are going to attend graduate or professional school or if they’re going into industry,” said Dr. Kim Bissell, director of the Office for Undergraduate Research.
Stationed around the conference center with posters detailing their research or creative activity, students will be challenged to briefly talk about key parts of their research, which Bissell said is an important skill to learn.
“It really gives them a chance to think critically about what they’ve done, and it forces them to think about the most important part of their research project,” she said.
The more than 275 accepted submissions will be judged in one of eight categories: social sciences, health sciences, fine arts and humanities, business, computer science, life and natural sciences, engineering, and creative activity.
In addition to poster presentations, students studying fine and creative arts submitted sculptures, paintings, poetry, short stories, novels and video presentations of their work. Those videos, which include fashion shows, theater and dance performances, will be projected on a screen during the conference.
“We’re trying to illustrate that research isn’t just STEM [science, technology, engineering and math]. It’s all academic areas across UA,” Bissell said.
Graduate students judge the submissions, giving them experience for their future careers, as well.
Faculty, staff, students and community members are invited to attend, observe the students’ work and talk to them about their research. Bissell said the event helps strengthen UA’s research culture, a pivotal part of the University’s mission.
An awards luncheon will be held at Bryant Conference Center on April 18. In addition to awards for best research in each category, awards will be given to the most influential faculty mentors.
Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity Conference Website
Date & Time:
Monday, April 4, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Location:
Bryant Conference Center