Credit: Nancy Carpenter

The Undergraduate Exhibition gives students a chance each year to either create posters — presenting their research findings to the public — or give an original performance. Any undergraduate can participate as long as the research is complete and the student was the main contributor to the project.

The poster judging is based on content, display, and an oral presentation — overall, how well the researcher explains the project to the public. Performances — everything from arias to poetry readings, flute solos to dance — are evaluated on artistry, technique, and how well the works fit the student or venue.

Monetary prizes totaling $2,500 are awarded to the top entries in each category — arts and humanities (including visual arts), engineering, health and life sciences, physical sciences, social and behavioral sciences (including business), and performance entries. The Gerard A. Hauser Research Prize goes to the student with the best overall presentation of unique research to a University audience.

Mark Etherton took the top award at this year's fair, held April 4 and 5, 2002 in Penn State's HUB Alumni Hall. Etherton is exploring the properties of miniature wires and circuits to build better computing devices. Out of the 102 entries, 24 other projects won awards.

"I'm awed by the spectacular discoveries, experiments, and creative performances of our undergrads," said Cheryl Achterberg, dean of the Schreyer Honors College. "We hope to motivate more young people to start into research early."

For more information about how to participate in the Undergraduate Research Fair or to receive entry forms, contact the Schreyer Honors College office at 814-863-2635 or visit www.scholars.psu.edu/UE2002. Undergraduate research opportunities are available through WISER (Women in Science and Engineering), the Schreyer Honors College, and Penn State's academic colleges. To read about more exciting undergraduate research, visit the past Research/Penn State undergraduate issues: September 2000 and September 1998. To learn more about writing internship opportunities with Research/Penn State, click here.