Students take lead on research conference at UPEI

Undergraduate science students at UPEI have planned and now will host a research conference at UPEI on August 6. ‘USURC', or the UPEI Science Undergraduate Research Conference, is an annual student-led initiative that features students presenting their research projects before an audience of professors, family, and peers.

'It's not often possible for undergraduate students to present research in a formal university setting,' said Maximilian King, conference co-chair. 'This conference provides an opportunity for us to get a head start in developing our presentation skills before we enter our post-graduate study.'

A student committee was formed months ago to organize the logistics of the day-long event that will be staged in the lecture theatre at the K.C. Irving Chemistry Centre on the UPEI campus. The conference will be kicked off with opening remarks from Dr. Christian Lacroix, Dean of Science and includes presentations by 23 science students from various departments on topics as far-ranging as ‘Polymer in a Liquid Crystal Solvent' to ‘Modeling Prince Edward Island to Understand Climate Change'. A presentation by two high school students on the ‘Heat Capacity of a Squash Ball' is also part of the program.

Co-chair Keaghan Rilling said, 'This is the first time we have included high school students, but our hope is they will consider attending UPEI after being part of this awesome experience.'

Student presenters were offered a workshop last month by Dr. Michael Shaver to assist with their presentation styles. An accomplished researcher and communicator of his work, Dr. Shaver is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at UPEI who researches the exchange of toxic reagents for non-toxic alternatives, performs 'green' reactions without solvents to eliminate the release of toxic chemicals, and replaces petroleum-based products with renewable feedstocks.

Rilling added, 'Having someone of Dr. Shaver's calibre to shed light on the elements of a proper research presentation was invaluable for our conference participants. And it is great to start to develop these skills so early in our research careers.'

The conference wraps up August 6 at 4 pm with closing remarks from co-chair King. Click here for conference schedule.