MSU undergraduate research forum set for March 27

Michigan State University undergraduate students will have the opportunity to let their research projects and creativity shine during the annual University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum, or UURAF, set for Friday, March 27 at the MSU Union.

The all-day event, beginning at 8 a.m., will feature over 1000 MSU undergraduate students presenting research projects that range from the state of kidney trafficking in South Asia; the impact of social media influencers on consumer decisions in the hospitality industry; analyzing how shoe composition affects biomechanical controls and running performance; and learning how to make inclusive space for international students.

The annual forum, co-sponsored by the Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education and the Honors College, showcases the ways that MSU students are involved in the impressive research portfolio of the university.

UURAF provides a unique educational opportunity for aspiring researchers. MSU undergraduate students gain experience in presenting their research through oral presentations or posters, answer questions about their work from peers, faculty, staff and the public, as well as receive constructive feedback from judges.

“When students come to a research-intensive institution like MSU, they have the benefit of not only learning from leading experts in their field, but also taking part in cutting-edge research,” said Korine Wawrzynski, assistant dean and director for undergraduate research at MSU. “These experiences equip students with problem-solving skills and expertise that will translate to a variety of careers once they leave MSU.”

Monetary prizes are awarded to recognize exemplary oral and poster presentations. One first-place award for $100 will be given in each section. First-place award recipients are eligible to submit their work for the two UURAF grand prizes, worth $500 each, which will be awarded to one presentation from the science and engineering categories and one presentation from the humanities, social sciences and communication arts and sciences categories.

The awards ceremony will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 15 in the Ballroom of the MSU Union.

For more information about the 2020 forum, click here.