Student research from the humanities, the natural and social sciences, to economics and the fine and performing arts will converge Friday, November 12 at Wayne State University during the Seventh Annual Undergraduate Research Conference (URC). It takes place at the McGregor Memorial Conference Center on Wayne State's campus with panel presentations beginning at 9:00 a.m. and poster presentations at noon.

This year, more than 100 undergraduates present their research and creative work in group panels or independent posters illustrating their work. The annual event, produced by the Office of Undergraduate Research, draws participating students from across disciplines.

"This is an incredible opportunity for our students," says Kevin Rashid, coordinator of the University's Office of Undergraduate Research. "This conference gives them a forum to professionally present their research and learn from the work of their colleagues. Some of these students will go on to present at the National Conference of Undergraduate Research. The URC offers students the chance to develop an additional skill beyond the initial research: translating the significance of that work to their peers, to faculty and the public."

Many of the students were the recipients of Undergraduate Research and Creative Project Awards, which helped to pay for the costs associated with projects. Students make a formal application and proposal for their chosen research, and if approved, receive an award of up to $2,300. Students then work closely with a faculty mentor who guides them through the research process.

"One of the many advantages of being a student at Wayne State is that you find yourself in one of the few universities nationally that the Carnegie Foundation rates as having very high research activity," said Jerry Herron, Dean of the Irvin D. Reid Honors College. "For students interested in creating knowledge through research, you couldn't be in a better place."

Research being presented at this year's conference includes: Literacy Detroit, Political Transformations: History, Diversity, and Obligation; Critical Advances in Chemical and Engineer Technology; Automobiles, Culture and Technology: Examinations of Ford Motor Company; Data-Driven Optimization of Surgeon Skills; Transition of Organic Foods into Mainstream Markets: The Role of Price Perceptions and the Controversy at Ground Zero.

The Seventh Annual Wayne State University Undergraduate Research Conference is open to the public and will be held at the McGregor Memorial Conference Center. Official conference welcome is at 8:30 a.m., followed by panel presentations at 9:00 a.m. and poster presentations at noon.

For more information: http://undergradresearch.wayne.edu or call 313-577-3030.

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Wayne State University is a premier urban research university offering more than 400 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 32,000 students.