[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/usrf 07.jpg” caption=”Fahreen Ladak (right), explains her research project to Christina Mascherin and Stefany Kawka. The fourth-year kinesiology students received Undergraduate Student Research Awards to conduct research projects last summer. Photo by Susan Bubak.”]Was the 1918 influenza strain in Hamilton socially neutral — that is, were all members of the community at the same risk of dying from the virus? Can an inexpensive liquid device really stop high-rise buildings from swaying in extreme weather conditions? Does a six-month-old infant have the ability to remember melody and rhythm?

These are just a few of the questions that were raised and researched by 125 undergraduate students last summer as they got a true taste of the world of academic research.

The students — Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA) recipients — had 15 weeks, $5,000 and the guidance and supervision of a faculty advisor to carry out their work. Their results will be on display today from 12 noon to 2 p.m. in the Student Centre Marketplace.

Sponsored by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the Faculties of Social Sciences, Humanities and Business, and the Office of the Vice-President (Research & International Affairs), the USRAs are designed to help undergraduate students explore career opportunities in the research environment, investigate and learn more about an area of interest, enhance their academic experiences and prepare for work at the graduate level.

Vice-president of research and international affairs, Dr. Mamdouh Shoukri, says the awards throw the doors wide open for research opportunities that are often hard to come by for undergraduate students.

“Engaging students in research at the undergraduate level is a critical component of creating an innovative learning environment and will help them to learn early on if a career in research is in their future,” says Shoukri.

He adds the awards epitomize the McMaster approach to learning by bringing research and education together.

Shoukri encourages everyone to drop by to see posters.

“We've held the poster session for several years now and it's never a disappointment,” he says. “These students are amazing. Their work is unique, inspiring and second to none.”