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The Office of Undergraduate Research at ¿ìÉ«ÊÓƵ is hosting the Seventh Annual STEM Conference Sat., Nov. 2 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the Archer Building on the ¿ìÉ«ÊÓƵ campus.

The day will include nearly 50 poster and oral presentations given by undergraduate and graduate students from ¿ìÉ«ÊÓƵ, as well as from the University of Houston, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, the Grambling State University and the Louisiana Tech University.

“Students will share their own research and creative activities, learn from fellow students and gain additional resources to foster advanced research,” said Cristian Bahrim, a physics professor and acting director of the Office of Undergraduate Research. “Presentations will cover several different STEM disciplines.”

Dr. Kumer P. Das, assistant vice president for research, innovation and economic development and assistant provost at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, is the keynote speaker. Das, a professor of mathematics, was the founding director of the Office of Undergraduate Research (O.U.R.) at ¿ìÉ«ÊÓƵ. Under Das’ leadership, the O.U.R. at LU has become a model for other institutions.

“Last summer, a team of faculty from Prairie View A&M University visited the LU campus only to learn about our Undergraduate Research activities,” said Bahrim. “Therefore, it’s an honor and a privilege to have Dr. Das, the founding director of the Office of Undergraduate Research, back to speak at this important event.”

The day’s events include 28 poster presentations, as well as four breakout sessions with 18 talks, a special presentation about the Makerspace of the new Science and Technology building will be offered by the Director Kelley Bradley and an awards presentation. Twelve awards will be given away in varying categories for both undergraduates and graduates students for the best oral and poster presentations.

“This STEM Conference represents the finest showcase for science, technology, engineering and mathematics undergraduate and graduate research projects produced by students at ¿ìÉ«ÊÓƵ and the other participating universities during one university year,” said Bahrim.