Research, Creativity Unite at Student Research Week ’24

Posted Date: April 5, 2024
Student Research Week

Student Research Week

 

Student Research Week continues to grow in popularity and impact, and the 2024 iteration was no exception. The week (March 25-29) kicked off with the Student Scholar Symposium on Tuesday and Wednesday with record participation.  

Over two days:     

  • 737 undergraduate and graduate students showcased their research 
  • 158 faculty judges reviewed the research 
  • 2,219 visitors engaged with researchers in the Student Union’s Pegasus Ballroom  

Winners shared a pool of more than $32,000 in scholarships sponsored by the Student Government Association and the colleges of UCF. Here are the final winners.  

“It’s so inspiring to see the creativity and innovation coming out of this generation of scientists and creative artists,” says Natalia Toro, director of the Office of Undergraduate Research. “Our future is in good hands.”  

This year marked the first Impact of Student Research Competition in collaboration with the Blackstone Launchpad which awarded $3,000 in prizes to the top three winners.  Author of PhD Comics Jorge Cham gave a keynote speech and humorously reflected on academia and how procrastination may actually be an asset.  

The Creative Scholarship Showcase highlighted the amazing interactive and creative scholarship underway at UCF. Some of the highlights there included:    

  • TapeMeasure, the Wonder Robotic Guide “Dog”;  
  • Fables about Infant Vaccines and Health Literacy; ARCA - A Collaborative Platform for Disaster Communication and Management; Wishful Thinking: A UCF Animated Short Limbitless Journey: Promoting Stress Free Learning Through Cozy Gaming  

While the spotlight focused mainly on students, the faculty challenging and mentoring them also had a chance to shine. Awards were given to:  

  • Professor William Self (Biomedical Sciences) – Champion of Undergraduate Research 
  • Assistant Professor Keith Brazendale (Health Sciences) – Champion of Undergraduate Research – Rising Star Award 
  • Assistant Professor Jackie Woerner (Sociology) – Champion of Undergraduate Research – Rising Star Award 
  • Assistant Professor Denisia Popolan-Vaida (Chemistry) – Faculty Mentor of the Year 
  • Jorge Pereira (Chemistry) – Graduate Mentor of the Year  

Student Research Week is a collaboration between the Office of Undergraduate Research and Graduate Student Life. Funding support includes the Parent and Family Fund.  

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