May 16, 2016

Undergraduates to present research spanning academic disciplines on May 20, 2016

On Friday, May 20, more than 1,000 University of Washington undergraduates and visiting scholars will participate in the 19th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium – an event that is one of the largest of its kind in the nation. The Symposium is organized by Undergraduate Academic Affairs’ Undergraduate Research Program and takes place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the UW Seattle campus. Students will present in poster and oral sessions in Mary Gates and Johnson Halls; a performing arts session in Meany Studio Theatre and a visual arts and design showcase in Odegaard Undergraduate Library (see event details below).

Undergraduate research allows students to contribute to groundbreaking work and helps them gain the experience necessary to one day lead innovative research themselves. UW undergraduates are getting involved in research in increasing numbers – more than 7,400 students participated in research in 2014-15. Over 900 faculty, post-doc, research staff and graduate student mentors supported this year’s Symposium presenters through their research, helping students develop subject area knowledge, transferable skills and an entrepreneurial perspective that will prepare them for future employment, education and citizenship.

The Symposium is open to undergraduates from other institutions, and we are thrilled to welcome presenters from 20 other institutions including McNair Scholar institutions, the Seattle Colleges, Montana State University, Washington State University and the University of Victoria (complete list below).

The ideas explored this year are notable for their diversity and breadth. Students will share their research on topics such as direct brain-to-brain communication of simple images; an exploration of the NFL’s “NO MORE domestic violence” campaign; therapeutic targeting of protein function in cancer cells; an interactive narrative to create empathy for people experiencing homelessness; managing hardwood forests for long term objectives and many more.

Interim Provost and Executive Vice President Jerry Baldasty and UAA Vice Provost and Dean Ed Taylor will address Symposium participants and attendees in a brief welcome at 11:00 a.m. in the Mary Gates Hall Commons. The 2016 Undergraduate Research Mentor Awardees will also be recognized at this time for excellence in guiding undergraduates to become scholars and researchers.

Event Details
• What: The 19th Annual Research Symposium at the University of Washington
• Who: More than 1,000 inspiring undergraduates at UW presenting ground-breaking research.
• When: Friday, May 20, 2016 – 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
• Where: Mary Gates Hall, select rooms in Johnson Hall, Meany Studio Theatre and Odegaard Undergraduate Library
• Plan ahead: See event schedule and search the Online Proceedings at symposium.uw.edu.

Institutions Represented
Bellevue College
Edmonds Community College
Everett Community College
Heritage University
Lake Washington Technical College
Lewis & Clark
Montana State University
North Dakota State University
North Seattle College
Portland State University
Seattle Central College
Shoreline Community College
South Seattle College
University of Oregon
University of Victoria
Washington State University
Western Washington University
Whitman College