by Margaret A. Lynch
Undergraduate researchers from colleges and universities throughout the United States will present their latest research findings in science, engineering, the humanities, and social sciences from January 22-24, 2015 at the National Collegiate Research Conference at Harvard University. This conference is planned and organized by undergraduate members of the Harvard College Undergraduate Association (HCURA).
Jimmy Lin, class of 2017, declares, “NCRC really shines a spotlight on hardworking students who have a passion for research. The conference brings together extremely bright minds and showcases the talent of the undergraduate population.”
Undergraduates will present their research during 15-minute plenary session talks or poster sessions. These presentations facilitate connections between undergraduate researchers. Kevin Ma, class of 2017, opines, “NCRC is an incredible experience. As an attendee last year, I was really amazed by the caliber of the research my fellow undergraduates were doing; I had the privilege to make some friends from other universities whom I still chat with to this day.”
In addition to student presentations, accomplished researchers, including Drs. Marcia McNutt, Matthew Meselson, Temple Grandin, Robert Langer, Jack Szostak, and Donald Pfister, will deliver keynote presentations and provide long-term perspectives on research and science policy. Mimi Yen, class of 2016 asserts, “One of the most defining features of NCRC has always been its emphasis on the idea of "connection," which is an important reminder that research is far from a solitary endeavor. I've always found it incredible that the conference allows undergraduates to meet the researchers who have been their inspirations!”
Innovation is a key focus of the conference. The NCRC’s 2015 Innovation Challenge tasks groups of undergraduates, each of which are paired with a mentor, to create novel solutions to pressing problems in technological discovery. Selected groups will explain and present their solutions to conference attendees in a special session.
A gala dinner and an awards ceremony, followed by a keynote address by Dr. Donald Pfister, will conclude the event-filled conference.
