September 23, 2016

We are very fortunate that Purdue places a great emphasis on undergraduate research, and there are many opportunities throughout the year for students to share their work in the form of posters. By attending the Council on Undergraduate Research’s (CUR’s) Posters on the Hill, students not only get the opportunity to present their research, but to share with legislators the impact undergraduate research has had on their education. This Poster session is competitive, requiring students submit an abstract as well as letter of recommendation from their research advisor. Last year, only 60 participants were selected from hundreds of applications. However, three of those sixty students were from Purdue. And in the year prior, two students represented Purdue at the session. I caught up with one of our recent Honors College participants to learn more about the event itself as well as her experience there.

Alisha Tungare had been doing research in the Lab of Renewable Resources Engineering since her freshman year at Purdue, and she found out about the event through the weekly Honors College newsletter. As you might guess from the title, this particular poster session takes place in Washington D.C., on Capitol Hill. Alisha explained,

“The event itself took place over two days. The first day included a walking tour of some DC sites as well as a White House panel (in the Eisenhower office building right next to the actual White House!) that included a discussion about science & tech fields and undergrad research. The second day included meetings on Capitol Hill with our state representatives and senators followed by an evening poster session in Capitol Hill with the 59 other students whose posters were chosen. Representatives from various agencies (like the National Science Foundation, EPA, etc) attended as well.”

Alisha shared that she particularly enjoyed the additional excursions and opportunities which were unique to this poster event, such as going inside the White House and seeing Congress in session. She explained that the event helped her to grow as a researcher, and she fervently recommends anyone involved in undergraduate research to apply for this opportunity.

Applications are open now, and the deadline to submit is November 4th. If you are interested in applying or have further questions, more information about the upcoming CUR’s Posters on the Hill can be found here:

http://www.cur.org/conferences_and_events/student_events/posters_on_the_hill/

This is an opportunity to not only share you work with other bright students from across the country, but to advocate for the importance of undergraduate research itself. You’ve had this incredible opportunity to experience research as an undergraduate student at Purdue. Help us ensure future generations of Boilermakers do too.

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