Graduate Exhibition To Highlight
Importance Of Research, Creative Activity

3-4-97

University Park, Pa. -- Rain drops, the Blue Band, rodeo and self-assembling molecules are only a few of the topics that will be covered by poster presentations during Penn State's 12th annual Graduate Research Exhibition, March 21 and 22.

Graduate students will display and explain research projects underway in many University departments. Topics run the gamut from how light makes vines climb to how to build miniature ultrasonic motors. Included this year for the first time is the performance option which includes presentation of operatic pieces, piano performance, story telling and theater. The performance option will take place on March 21 at 8 p.m. in room 122 Music II Building.

Student research will be displayed to the public in the Hetzel Union Building Ballroom on Penn State's University Park campus from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 22.

The exhibit provides graduate students with the opportunity to explain and defend their research -- to faculty, other students, administrators and the community.

A student from agricultural and biological engineering is looking at microbial growth in packaged milk, while another form comparative literature wants to know how love in the Middle Ages served a social function. An engineering student in acoustics is using near-field acoustic holography to look at sound produced by a violin, and a food science researcher is investigating the composition of chocolate to preserve its sensory properties while reducing calories.

How many parents have considered the research of a human development and family studies graduate student who is looking at sensation-seeking in 5-year olds? Penn State graduate students are investigating these and other areas in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding with an eye to creating and changing things for the future.

Nearly 150 Penn State graduate students will compete for awards totaling $10,000.

**aem**

Contacts:
A'ndrea Elyse Messer (814) 865-9481 (office) aem1@psu.edu 76520.3240@compuserve.com