April 16, 2009

Intersections Symposium to Feature Research of More than 400 Undergraduates

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More than 400 Case Western Reserve University undergraduates are participating in the annual Intersections: SOURCE Undergraduate Symposium and Poster Session from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, April 17, in Thwing Center. The campus community is invited to stop by to view some of the innovative and creative research being conducted by undergraduates. The projects represent numerous academic disciplines.

"The purpose of Intersections is to provide an opportunity for the campus community to see and learn about the work of our undergraduate students involved in faculty mentored research and creative projects. I appreciate these students showing their work and their faculty mentors who have worked closely with them," said Sheila Pedigo, director of the Support of Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavors (SOURCE) office at Case Western Reserve University.

"Experiential learning is a core element of our educational offerings. We encourage students to participate in cutting-edge research with professors, and also to pursue independent projects with the guidance of faculty experts. A key part of our work to encourage these explorations is our SOURCE office," reads a note from Case Western Reserve President Barbara R. Snyder in the Intersections abstract book.

Attendees will have an opportunity to talk with many of the student researchers throughout the day. The participant breakdown includes the following:

  • Approximately 160 students will present during Intersections. Engineering, anthropology, psychology, physics, theater and dance, geological sciences, nutrition, and anatomy are just a few of the academic disciplines represented.
  • Approximately 275 students will participate in Writing Week – First Annual Celebration of Student Writing. This event will include academic writing presentations, posters and interactive exhibits. The program is sponsored by the Center for the Study of Writing and the Department of English.
  • About nine students will compete as part of the Michelson-Morley Research Competition in the Biological Sciences. This annual research competition highlights research from undergraduates who have conducted biologically-related research here or at other universities.

In addition to showcasing undergraduate research, Pedigo said there are reasons why Intersections continues to grow each year. For instance, the campus community has an opportunity to celebrate the work and accomplishments of undergraduates. Also, students who have yet to engage in an in depth research project might become inspired to explore one in their own academic discipline. Lastly, the campus community has an opportunity to see how undergraduate student involvement contributes to and enhances the educational experience at Case Western Reserve.

For more information contact Kimyette Finley, 216.368.0521.

Posted by: Kimyette Finley, April 16, 2009 01:30 PM | News Topics: Collaborations/Partnerships, College of Arts and Sciences, Conferences/Symposia, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Provost Initiatives, Research, Weatherhead School of Management, news

Case Western Reserve University is committed to the free exchange of ideas, reasoned debate and intellectual dialogue. Speakers and scholars with a diversity of opinions and perspectives are invited to the campus to provide the community with important points of view, some of which may be deemed controversial. The views and opinions of those invited to speak on the campus do not necessarily reflect the views of the university administration or any other segment of the university community.