Student Research Celebration

The College of Natural and Health Sciences’ (NHS) Student research Celebration is intended to honor noteworthy research by NHS undergraduate and graduate students as well as exemplary research mentoring by NHS Faculty. Fundraising associated with the event benefits the NHS Student Research Fund.

The College established in its first year the NHS Student Research Celebration. This April event, which is held as part of the University’s annual Academic Excellence Week, brings together NHS faculty, staff, and students, as well as community supporters and other campus members, to celebrate the achievements of students who have engaged in significant faculty-mentored research experiences. In preparation for this event, faculty members from across the College select for participation approximately 25 undergraduate and graduate students who have successfully undertaken a research project. On the night of the Student Research Celebration, these students participate in a poster session in which they display posters that describe their projects, which they discuss with event attendees. This evening is an elegant one held in the campus’ University Center; student presenters dress in a professional manner, refreshments are provided, and the poster session is accompanied by music, such as a string quartet or jazz piano performance. The poster session is immediately followed by a banquet in the University Center ballroom, in which the student researchers are honored. A highlight of the evening is a brief presentation by two top scholars, one at the undergraduate level and another at the graduate level, who will speak to the attendees about their engagement in research and the value they perceive from that activity. These individuals are also identified through a competitive process that includes nomination by their programs and an oral “audition” for a College selection committee. Also featured at the event are the College’s two Research Mentors of the Year.

Third Annual Student Research Celebration, April 2008

Second Annual Student Research Celebration, April 2007

Inaugural Student Research Celebration, April 2006

To make a donation to the Student Research Fund, please visit the UNC Foundation website at http://www.uncalumni.org/Foundation/.