Undergraduate Research Symposium

SD EPSCoR hosts an annual research symposium to highlight undergraduate research in South Dakota.

Undergraduate STEM students, faculty and industry experts from institutions across the state will gather in person 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Thursday, July 28, at Club 71 on the South Dakota State University campus to participate in the 2022 ninth annual SD EPSCoR Undergraduate Research Symposium.

The symposium will bring together undergraduate students involved in the NSF EPSCoR RII Track-1 project, the South Dakota Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (SD BRIN) and other National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) programs in South Dakota to give their required research presentations.

This annual event provides students the experience of participating in a real scientific meeting that includes a poster session, professional development and numerous opportunities for networking. The symposium also promotes South Dakota’s graduate programs and STEM employment opportunities.

• Agenda — The agenda is tentative and subject to change (last updated July 21, 2022; refresh your browser on the .pdf).
• Wednesday Tours — begins at 4 p.m. Please complete our poll on which tour you plan to attend.
  • View the SDSU Labs Tour details.
• Booklet with schedule for posters, with the “a” or “p” (for a.m. and p.m.) after the poster number.
• Student Registration — When students register, they will rank the three organizations (local companies and grad schools) that they would like to learn more about and will be placed during lunch with a representative from the organization.
• Student Abstract Form — View the requirements, below. Please upload your abstract by Monday, July 18.
• Audience Registration — for non-student attendees.

Requirements for Abstracts

• 300 words or fewer
• Contain the context and background information necessary to frame your research.
• Explain the goals of your research. Tell the audience why it is important and relevant.
• Briefly describe the research methods used.
• Add a description of your results along with any relevant data that your audience needs.
• End with a summary of the implications of the study.

Easels and poster boards will be provided for posters. To ensure your poster fits on our boards, please limit poster size to 3’ x 4’ (36” x 48”), landscape orientation. You must print and bring your poster with you.

Lodging

Ask for the SD EPSCoR block of rooms at these Brookings options to get the state rate (for reimbursement). Reserve by Wednesday, July 6. Students: If you require lodging in Brookings, please check with your research advisor first.

• Country Inn and Suites (3000 Lefevre Dr; 605-692-3500) Deluxe continental breakfast, kitchenette available, pool & hot tub
• Quality Inn (514 Sunrise Ridge Rd; 605-692-9566) Continental breakfast, whirlpool
• Super 8 (3034 Lefevre Dr; 605-692-6920) Continental breakfast, indoor pool & whirlpool

Invite your friends and family to attend with the Facebook event.

About the Undergraduate Research Symposium

The SD EPSCoR Undergraduate Research Symposium was established in 2014. It brings together undergraduate students participating in South Dakota’s National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) programs and the REU components of the state’s NASA and DOE EPSCoR and NIH EPSCoR-like programs.

The REU programs provide STEM undergraduate students with the opportunity to participate in a ten-week research experience where they conduct research under the guidance of university faculty. These experiences provide students with the opportunity to gain real-life independent research experience, strengthen their presentation skills, network with other student and faculty researchers, learn about the opportunities for graduate fellowship support from NSF and other federal agencies and learn more about South Dakota’s graduate programs.

The Undergraduate Research Symposium is hosted annually by SD EPSCoR. It is the outgrowth of an idea initially proposed by Dr. Mike West (South Dakota School of Mines and Technology). Since it was first convened, it has grown to include more than 250 attendees and 150 student research presentations.

Video of Group 1 — Chemistry
	
Video of Group 2 — Computational Analysis
 	
Video of Group 3 — Astrobiology
 	
Video of Group 4 — Education
 	 	
Video of Group 6 — Pharmaceutical and Health