WKU’S 46th annual Student Research Conference held next weekend

379 students from 34 departments to make presentations

PADUCAH, Ky. (March 24, 2016) — Western Kentucky University’s 46th Annual Student Research Conference takes place on April 1-2. In total, 379 WKU students will give 304 presentations at the conference.

The interdisciplinary conference features original student research projects from 34 departments representing every academic college at the university.

Presentations take the form of oral papers and presentations, posters and exhibits, and performances. All student projects are mentored by WKU faculty and staff members. More: List of student presentations for WKU’s 46th Annual Student Research Conference

The conference will feature an opening reception and a keynote address with Sigma Xi Distinguished Lecturer Dr. Sandra Hanson at 4 p.m. April 1 in the Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium.

Hanson’s lecture is titled Science for All? Diversity in Science in a Global Society. The reception and the keynote address are free and open to the community.

The conference continues April 2 with student presentations throughout the day in the Downing Student Union. Student registration begins at 8 a.m. with the first concurrent oral presentations and poster presentations starting at 9 a.m. Presentations continue through the day until 3 p.m. All student presentations are free and open to the public.

Dr. Darlene Applegate is chair of the WKU Student Research Council. The Council includes faculty, staff and student volunteers who plan the conference each year.

“The annual student conference is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the amazing research and creative projects that our undergraduate and graduate students complete under the expert guidance of faculty and staff mentors,” Applegate said. “We encourage the entire campus and community to attend the conference and learn about the incredible accomplishments of our talented students.”

About the WKU Student Research Conference: The WKU Student Research Conference showcases scholarly activities of graduate and undergraduate students of diverse disciplines from across the main and regional campuses. An annual tradition since 1970, the conference has provided opportunities for thousands of students to present talks, performances, posters, exhibits, and displays on their research and creative endeavors. The conference is planned each year by the university’s Student Research Council in partnership with the Office of Research & Creative Activity which provides both administrative and financial support for the conference.