Poster session highlights undergraduate research
[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/USRA08.jpg” caption=”The Undergraduate Student Research Awards poster session provides an opportunity for students to share their research with the McMaster community. Photo by Matt Terry. “]McMaster is well-known for its commitment to research, which has contributed to McMaster's reputation as an innovative leader amongst post-secondary institutions both nationally and internationally. The Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA), awarded annually to students in various faculties, exemplify McMaster's commitment to fostering research excellence.
During the summer of 2008, 172 undergraduate students held USRAs at McMaster. On January 12, recipients participated in a poster session that provided an opportunity for them to share their research with the McMaster community.
“This poster session celebrates undergraduate student research excellence and demonstrates the tremendous impact of McMaster faculty in their role as mentors,” says Arlene Fajutrao Dosen, admission and recruitment officer, School of Graduate Studies. “For many USRA recipients their experiences have been transformational and have solidified their future academic goals and career aspirations.”
The poster session offered something for everybody, with representatives from science, engineering, humanities and social sciences. The session also provided members of the McMaster community with the opportunity to gain an understanding of topics that are unfamiliar to them.
Maria Crome, a social sciences recipient, examined the use of Body-Weight-Supported Treadmill Training (BWSTT) as a method to improve quality of life in individuals with multiple sclerosis, under the supervision of Audrey Hicks and Steven Bray. The purpose of Crome's study was to investigate the quality of life effects of a six-month, BWSTT program for individuals with primary progressive MS.
“The most exciting part of my experience has been witnessing the potential benefits of exercise for individuals with MS, even those suffering from the most severe form of MS, primary progressive,” said Crome. “I have always been passionate about exercise and its health benefits but my research experience has opened my eyes to potential career opportunities involving exercise programs for special populations.”
The research awards provide undergraduate students, like Crome, with the opportunity to learn more about research at the graduate level and whether it is something they are interested in pursuing.
“Based on their experience, we hope that many of our USRAs will continue on in graduate programs here at McMaster and elsewhere,” said Allison Sekuler, associate vice-president and dean of Graduate Studies. “Ultimately, the USRA programs are all about possibilities and the opportunity for personal growth and discovery.”
The USRAs are sponsored by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, the Faculties of Social Sciences, Humanities, The DeGroote School Business and the Office of the Vice-President, Research and International Affairs.
To find out more about how to apply for Undergraduate Student Research Awards, please visit the science and engineering USRA website,
the social sciences USRA website, or the humanities USRA website.
