In April, the Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Student Research Conference (UISRC) will celebrate its 10th Anniversary of presenting student-led research. Cougar News recently spoke with UISRC organizer Jenny Warren about the conference, why student-led research is important and how you can submit a research project for a chance to win a $1,250 scholarship.
What is the UISRC?
It is an annual event hosted by Collin College where undergraduate students from around the country are invited to present their original research work. Not everyone who wants to present can, however, as each student’s work is vetted by experts. Those chosen will be invited to present. Those who are not will be invited to participate as audience members and try again the following year.
UISRC stands for Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Student Research Conference, noting that research works from all disciplines, from accounting to psychology to zoology, are accepted for consideration. Also important to know is that over the past nine years, we have seen exceptional research not only from the students at Collin, but also from Southern Methodist University, University of North Texas, New York University, the University of Texas at Arlington, Texas A&M University-Commerce, University of Maryland, University of Kansas, Texas Woman’s University, Texas Christian University, The University of Texas and many more!
Why have a research conference aimed at students?
A large portion of advanced academia is writing and presenting original research. To that end, most graduate programs work on this with their master’s and Ph.D. candidates. It is quite uncommon, though, to do this at the undergraduate level. It is even more uncommon at two-year institutions. The UISRC was created to give our students a leg up in this area.
By participating, they become familiar with concepts and processes that they will need to understand if they continue in their college education. The editing, submission, acceptance, preparation and final presentation processes can be daunting and those who understand them early will most assuredly benefit. Additionally, students who are invited to present find such joy in both being accepted and in completing the presentation. It is an honor and they know it!
Why should students enter their research projects?
In addition to the experience listed above, students benefit by an impressive line item on their resume or curricula vitae. We also offer four $1,250 scholarships to the Collin student who completes the “Top” research. Finally, because the conference sees research from students all over the region, Collin students can interact and network with representatives from many of the four-year universities they hope to attend in the future.
What qualifies as a research project?
Anything that requires the student to reference past research and apply it to their own or an original or replicated experiment. This includes research papers, reports, etc.
What subjects do UISRC projects cover?
The conference is interdisciplinary, so all topics are welcome!
Will I have to make a presentation at the conference?
If your submitted research is accepted, yes, you will present it. You may present in a traditional panel style, a round table that you lead yourself, a performance or a poster board.
Where can I learn more about the conference?
At our website or contact me at jwarren@collin.edu.