Fifth-Annual Undergraduate Research Conference celebrates learning
Fifth-Annual Undergraduate Research Conference celebrates learning
The NU Undergraduate Research Conference is a celebration of learning, collaboration and the creation of new knowledge.
But if you ask Grant Doherty, it’s just a great experience.
When the history student presented his paper “National Energy Program: Reactions through the American Media” last year, he figured he’d chat with a few other history students about Pierre Trudeau. He didn’t expect to be engaged by geography and business students about Canada’s current and future energy policy.
“You’re often so busy doing your own thing, that you forget there are other students and departments doing research that can connect with your own,” says Doherty, now taking his master’s degree in History at Nipissing.
Poster or Paper?
Now in it’s fifth year, the conference has grown to include undergraduates from other universities in Ontario as well as representation from every faculty on campus. The ability for undergraduates to participate in research and work alongside professors sets us apart from other Universities. The conference is a way to spotlight the great work being done here.
Students can present research as either a paper at a panel discussion, or as a poster.
The biggest benefit to a poster, as opposed to an oral presentation, is that you have a lot of great interaction with conference attendees– and you don’t have the pressure of a formal speech. In both instances, students will face questions from faculty and must be prepared to defend their work.
“At the UGRC, the professors were very constructive. Often at conferences, questions can be very critical of your work. The focus of this conference is to provide a learning experience,” says Doherty.
Experience counts
Environmental Geography graduate Nathan Mountain presented his research poster entitled “Volume Dependent Fissioning in Planaria” last year. The experience gave him the confidence he needed to take his poster to a larger conference in Washington, DC.
He also had great item to add to his CV.
“Participating in the event last year helped me get into graduate school,” says Mountain, who is now working with a Nipissing University team on watershed research. “I got a taste of academic research – and I really enjoyed it. I knew I wanted to continue with it.”
Education student research
Conference organizers also anticipate a number of Schulich School of Education students participating in the conference.
"There is a great deal of educational research that goes on in our faculty and we should be sharing and celebrating our work," says Susan Elliott-Johns. Chair (Interim), Junior / Intermediate Division and Associate Professor.
Elliott-Johns sits on the UGRC organizing committee and is encouraging education students and faculty to get involved. "It's truly a multi-disciplinary conference and the work that our undergraduates are doing across many different areas of curriculum and effective approaches to teaching and learning, should be represented at this conference."
How to participate
UGRC organizers are currently taking submissions.
Nipissing Students: Department heads will choose research projects to be included in the conference. You may submit a proposal using the form, and it will be forwarded to the appropriate department for consideration. You should follow up with your faculty advisor or department to determine if it has been accepted into the conference.
External submissions: The NU UGRC welcomes submissions from undergraduate students from across Ontario. Please remember that submissions will be vetted and, depending on space and time considerations, some submissions may not be accepted into the conference.
Students participating in the conference will be provided with more detailed information in early March.
Deadline for Submission is Feb. 17, 2012
Any questions regarding submissions should be directed to the Conference Coordinator Janet Ross at ugrc@nipissingu.ca.
For more information, please check out the conference Website