VSU Hosts 20th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium April 8-10

VALDOSTA—More than 300 students will participate in Valdosta State University’s 20th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, on April 8-10. The symposium will include a student debate, oral presentations, works of student art, and poster presentations. 

“This year we have record participation across all of our undergraduate colleges at VSU,” said Dr. James LaPlant, interim dean of the Graduate School and assistant vice president for research. “The record participation reveals that undergraduate research and scholarship is occurring in all of our colleges across the campus. Students are able to make original contributions to the body of knowledge in their field.”

Undergraduate students are invited to share research findings, laboratory experiences, field projects, creative performances, visual works of art, or independent study projects.
 
The symposium officially begins with a student debate at 7 p.m., Tuesday, in the Student Union Theatre. The debate will focus on the pros and cons of banning smoking and use of tobacco products on college campuses.

This year’s symposium will feature an exhibit with 65 works of student art on display in the Fine Arts Gallery. The exhibit includes animation, graphic design, and interior design. A special viewing and reception is scheduled from 7-8 p.m., on Wednesday. 

The symposium will include 39 oral presentations on Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the Student Union Theatre. On Thursday, 128 poster presentations will be on display from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Student Union Ballrooms. A reception will be part of the poster session and the award ceremony begins at 7:30 p.m.

The Undergraduate Research Symposium was hosted for 17 years by the College of Arts and Sciences and three years ago it became a campus-wide event.

“The symposium has grown each year because of the faculty commitment to mentoring undergraduate research and an eagerness among our students to engage in research in their chosen field of study,” said LaPlant.

All events are open to the public free of charge. For more information, call the Graduate School at 229-333-5699 or visit the website at www.valdosta.edu/academics/graduate-school/urc/