Undergraduate Research Forum 'bigger and better' 4/13/04
Three years ago, when the first Alfred University-wide Undergraduate Research Forum was held, organizers were pleased when they had 60 projects.This year, there will be more than 80 projects, representing the work of more than 100 students, either individually or as a member of a team, and Dr. Robert K. Bitting, associate vice president for academic research planning and administration, as well as organizer of the forum, could not be more pleased. The Undergraduate Research Forum will be held from 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, April 22, at McLane Center on the AU campus. It's open to the public, with a special invitation to area high school students so that they can see the quality of research being done by AU students."This event has been growing each and every year," said Bitting. "It certainly shows a real commitment on the part of faculty and students to undergraduate research, and we appreciate their support for the forum."Bitting explained that one of the hallmarks of an Alfred University education, across all disciplines, is completion of a "capstone" project, one that demonstrates students' proficiency in their chosen field, whether they are studying fine arts or psychology, biology or sociology. For some majors, a capstone project, which often takes the form of a research project, is required; for others, it is encouraged.
