ABQ Times

The upcoming Undergraduate Research Opportunity Conference (UROC) at The University of New Mexico is set to highlight the innovative research projects of undergraduate students from various disciplines. According to the Director of URAD, Tim Schroeder, UROC provides students with a platform to present their research and interact with the academic community.

"Students can enter up to three times with one entry for each review/evaluation of each of the following: three poster presentations, three oral presentations, or eight UROC 180 presentations," stated the Engineering Student Success Center and UROC. The event aims to offer undergraduates the chance to display their research work and engage with faculty, graduate students, and the wider UNM community.

The conference will feature a diverse range of research topics from students across different majors. Previous presentations have covered areas such as in vitro fertilization, serial killers, water usage, substance abuse, religion, sex, chocolate, Alzheimer’s disease, and more.

Professor Megan Jacobs’ Honors students will be presenting their project titled "Eco-Pulse" at the University Art Museum in Popejoy. The presentation explores the relationship between humans and the natural world through various artworks.

Schroeder described the UROC 180 as an elevator pitch challenge where students have 180 seconds to present their research. Additionally, there will be opportunities for 10-minute oral presentations, poster presentations, and research group presentations. The top three winners of the UROC 180 will receive scholarships, with the first prize being $500.

The closing ceremony of the conference will take place at the SUB, where winners of the UROC 180 finals and UROC Research Stories will be recognized. For the first time, the Undergraduate Arts Research Award will also be presented during the ceremony.

Undergraduate research experiences at UROC not only provide students with valuable feedback and experience but also enhance their competitiveness for graduate programs. Schroeder highlighted that such experiences help students develop independence and readiness for their future careers.

UROC is made possible through the support of various sponsors, including the Office of Academic Affairs, UNM Grand Challenges, UNM College of Arts & Sciences, and several other institutions within the university. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to attend the event on April 12 to witness the outstanding research contributions of UNM's undergraduate scholars.