Wednesday, April 15, 2009

More than 80 undergraduate Honors students from the University of North Carolina Wilmington will present their honors research projects at 4:30 p.m. today on the first floor of Randall Library as part of the Fourth Annual Undergraduate Research Showcase. Participating students represent all university schools, with research topics covering a wide range of academic disciplines. Just a few examples include:

• English: Non-Traditional News Reporting: Interactive Journalism, Technology and Ethical Responsibility
• Biology and Marine Biology: The Effects of Beach Nourishment and Shoreline Development on the Physical Condition of Surf-Zone Fishes

• Computer Science: Face Aging Group: Development of Iris Scanners and Recognition Algorithms for Mobile Devices

• Nursing: Experiences of Certified Nurse Midwives in Providing Culturally Competent Care to Hispanic Women in Southeastern North Carolina

• Sociology and Criminology: Community Gardening as a Means to Health Interventions in Low Income Communities in Wilmington, NC

Chancellor DePaolo will open the showcase and welcome attendees to the reception today at 4:45 p.m. Students will present and explain their research posters and projects to attendees today, and the poster projects will remain on display in Randall Library through May 1. Media are welcome to attend and cover this event: students and faculty will be available for interviews, and visual opportunities will include students presenting on their research projects and interacting with faculty and guests.

A hallmark of UNC Wilmington is its commitment to mentoring undergraduates in research and scholarly activity. The Center for Support of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (CSURF), part of the Honors Scholars Program, is a resource to coordinate opportunities and information related to UNCW undergraduate research and scholarship. The Honors Scholars Program encourages curiosity, critical thinking and independent work skills by offering students exciting academic and cultural activities as well as the opportunity for close working and social relationships with faculty.

Media contact:

Joy Davis, marketing and communications, 910.916.8603 or davisjc@uncw.edu