Fifth Annual SU Research Conference is Friday, April 29"

class=""MsoNormal"">SALISBURY, MD---With topics ranging from science to science fiction to local history, more than 100 Salisbury University students from all majors present their independent scholarship at the fifth annual Salisbury University Research Conference (SURC) from 1-7:30 p.m. Friday, April 29, in Henson Science Hall, Devilbiss Hall and the Guerrieri University Center.

class=""MsoNormal"">Students from all four of SU’s schools share their work in presentation and poster sessions. In addition, the Outstanding Research Mentor Award will be presented to a faculty member for excellence in guiding student research.

class=""MsoNormal"">The SURC celebrates student scholarship, artistic and professional achievement and gives them a chance to share their knowledge and ability. Presentations are organized into themed sessions, ranging from molecular biology to music composition, marketing to literary theory.

class=""MsoNormal"">Student research is an international movement in higher education, broadly recognized for giving students a chance to focus their enthusiasm for a subject into the capstone experience of an independent project. This can take the form of a case study, a creative performance or portfolio, or an in-depth study of a problem in any academic discipline.

class=""MsoNormal"">Many majors at SU are encouraged or required to complete a research project before they graduate. “This research helps students hone their abilities as independent thinkers and workers, gives them confidence in presenting their studies, and makes them more attractive to graduate and professional schools and employers,” said Dr. Melanie Perreault, conference director. “Student research is a national trend that showcases student ability and achievement while encouraging students to develop their own projects in any discipline. It is important at SU, and we are very proud of the growth of our annual conference.”

class=""MsoNormal"">Faculty increasingly are called on to guide students’ research and creative projects. In recognition of this, the SURC presents an annual Outstanding Research Mentor Award, announced at the conference at 6 p.m.

class=""MsoNormal"">A program of the sessions and poster titles is available at the SURC Web site, www.salisbury.edu/academic/ugresearch/susrc.htm. The conference is free and the public is invited. For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the SURC Web site. "