2nd Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium
April 17, 2009

The 2nd Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium was organized by the local Omega Chi Epsilon (OXE) chapter and the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering. The symposium gave undergraduates the opportunity to demonstrate the product of their research efforts and their creativity in solving problems with the mentoring of their research advisors. Nine posters were presented by undergraduate students

"Based on the positive symposium feedback from students, faculty and judges, the Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering will continue to encourage students to engage in undergraduate research and public presentation opportunities," says Ed Seebauer, Department Head. "The furthering of students' leadership and presentation skills is one of our core missions."

The importance of undergraduate research is echoed across the campus: Linda Katehi, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs recently spoke about the value of undergraduate research at the University of Illinois Undergraduate Research Symposium. In her talk, Provost Linda Katehi stated, "Students tell us that undergraduate research experiences profoundly enrich their education here by allowing them to deepen knowledge within a field of study and sharpen skills in areas such as critical thinking and writing. Students also tell us that planning and conducting research and creative work beyond the classroom allows them to make intellectual connections with faculty members, thereby strengthening their confidence that they will succeed if they choose to pursue graduate studies."