Several University of Memphis students' research was featured atthe 2004 Works in Progress Symposium (WIPS) that was held Monday inthe University Center.
Ten U of M undergraduates presented research to faculty memberson various topics, including biology, chemistry, engineering,sociology and consumer science and education.
The purpose of the annual event is to showcase the undergraduateresearch efforts at The University, said Melinda Jones, director ofthe University Honors Program (UNHP).
"We have a number of students on our campus who areparticipating in exciting research endeavors, and the Symposium isa wonderful way to recognize the efforts of these students and thefaculty members who work with them," Jones said.
Although the event is sponsored by the UNHP, it is open to allundergraduates, not just those who are enrolled in the honorsprogram.
Since the beginning of the 2003 fall semester participants inthe Symposium have been researching specific areas within theirtopics, but their work has yet to be completed.
"The (symposium) provides an opportunity for students to presenttheir research projects in their beginning stages," Jones said."The research does not have to be completed at the time of thepresentation."
The research, which is presented in the form of an oralpresentation and written work, is evaluated by faculty who give thestudents feedback on their work before it is submitted to theNational Conference for Undergraduate Research (NCUR).
The faculty advisor for Daniel Duerr, senior sociology andhistory major and Jessica Swan, senior sociology major was pleasedwith their research.
"They've made lots of progress, and I look forward to seeing therest of their research," said Doctor Wanda Rushing, assistantprofessor of sociology.
Duerr and Swan's project explored the social context of globalimages and local realities in Memphis and South Africa, and itrequired them to work with students from The University of Pretoriain South Africa.
The NCUR, which will be held in April 2004, is the largestundergraduate research conference in the United States, andstudents who submit their work are considered for an opportunity topresent it at the conference. The students who are selected forpresentation also have an opportunity to apply for publication oftheir research.
