Academics

Applications open for Undergraduate Research Exhibition

Students are now able to apply for a spot in the 2018 Undergraduate Exhibition. Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Students from all Penn State campuses are invited to submit applications for the 2018 Undergraduate Research Exhibition, where this year’s event now features five-minute slots for performance and oral presentations along with the traditional poster presentation. The application window will close April 1.

In a change from previous events, the 2018 exhibition will be held in the evening, from 5 to 8 p.m. on April 18 at the HUB-Robeson Center at University Park.

Alan Rieck, assistant vice president and assistant dean for Undergraduate Education, said the two new presentation formats will allow for students to showcase their work that might not otherwise fit well into the traditional poster presentation.


“We're hoping the new presentation categories will invite more people from the social sciences, humanities, and education to participate in this exciting event,” Rieck said. “We would also love to see people from theater, dance, art, dramatic reading or creative writing present their work. This will allow us to celebrate the breadth of what's happening on our campuses.”

Rieck cautioned that slots for oral presentations and performances will be first-come, first-served, as there is a limited amount of overall time.

Undergraduate students can find more information about applying to the exhibition at https://undergradresearch.psu.edu/exhibition/index.cfm. The application will ask for an abstract no longer than 75 words. A finished research poster is not required during the application process.

The Office of Undergraduate Education will cover the cost related to constructing a research poster. Students will be provided with more information once they’ve applied.

Every presentation and poster will be judged, an aspect Rieck said will help students grow in their ability to explain their work later in life in the professional world.

“Many of the projects are very technical,” Rieck said. “The main thing about an exhibition is: Can you present that technical information in a way that's meaningful for a person that has no idea what you're talking about? Why is it relevant? Why is it important? Why did you do it and why should I care?”

Penn State undergraduates from all campuses interested in pursuing research and creative activity are encouraged to inquire with professors about possible collaborative or lab positions, or visit undergradresearch.psu.edu to view a list of projects in a variety of disciplines.

The Research Opportunities for Undergraduates program is part of Penn State Undergraduate Education, the academic administrative unit that provides leadership and coordination for University-wide programs and initiatives in support of undergraduate teaching and learning at Penn State. Learn more about Undergraduate Education at undergrad.psu.edu.​

Last Updated February 27, 2018