Students will show how they have expanded their horizons during UAH’s Research Week

Research Horizons Day and Research Week will both return for the fourth year to highlight student research at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). Research Week is a campuswide celebration held in conjunction with individual College convocations to recognize and promote the research and creative work of students at the university. All events related to Research Week are open to the public.

"Research Horizons Day and Research Week are our way to celebrate our proud history of being a research university and to create opportunities where everyone can network, share, and have fun," says David Cook, coordinator of student research programs for UAH’s Office of Academic Affairs.

The theme of this year’s Research Week - "Academic Clubs: A Way to Grow, Learn, and Succeed" - is meant to promote official UAH academic clubs. These clubs are a great way for students to explore their interests, learn more about themselves and their classmates, and get leadership experience. Likewise, student members can gain practical skills to complement their classroom experiences, interact with professionals in the field, and participate in projects and competitions to test their knowledge.

We’re very excited about this opportunity to celebrate student research and creativity on our campus.

"My advice to most new students on campus who are interested in research is to check out our academic clubs and join one," says Cook. "In addition to being a fun way to meet new people and learn new things, it’s great for the resume and for building the basic skills that faculty, research mentors, and ultimately employers are looking for."

The events kick off on Friday, April 6, with Health Career Day. This interactive conference is geared toward students who are interested in gaining insight into health-care professions. It features a special panel of undergraduate students who are currently involved in research discussing research opportunities as a way to prepare for medical and professional schools.

On Wednesday, April 11, the entire campus and visitors from the local community are welcome to attend the Research Horizons Day poster session from 4 to 6 p.m. on the second floor of the Charger Union. Graduate and undergraduate students representing every college will be displaying research posters and will be on hand to discuss their work and answer questions.

On Thursday, April 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in keeping with this year’s theme, student members of several academic clubs will gather in the Charger Union breezeway to discuss club activities and share why their fellow students should join. The week’s events will culminate on Friday, April 13, with "So You Think You Can Research," which will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. in Room 111 of the Salmon Library. Spaces are limited, so those interested in participating are encouraged to sign up early.

"Dissemination of research and creative projects is an important part of inquiry-based learning, so Research Week events like the poster session and ‘So You Think You Can Research’ give our students a chance to share what they have been working on," Cook says. "We also want students, faculty, researchers, staff, and the local community to come together to look at the students’ work in the hopes of building relationships and collaborations."

Scheduled activities for 2018’s Research Horizons Day and Research Week are as follows:

• Friday, April 6
  Research Week Kick-Off Event: Health Careers Day
  9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  Shelby Center for Science and Technology
• Tuesday, April 10
  Individual College Convocations and Student Poster Displays
  8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
   Honors College - 8 a.m. | Charger Union
   College of Nursing - 9:30 a.m. | Nursing Building
   College of Business - 10:45 a.m.| Charger Union Theater
   College of Education - 12:30 p.m.| Roberts Recital Hall
   College of Science - 1:45 p.m. | Materials Science Building (Room 100)
   College of Engineering - 3 p.m. | Chan Auditorium
   College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences - 4:30 p.m. | Roberts Recital Hall
   College of Professional Studies - 6:00 p.m. | Wilson Hall
• Wednesday, April 11
  Campuswide Student Research & Creative Projects Poster Session & Reception
  4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
  Charger Union, Second Floor
  Graduate and undergraduate students, representing every college, will be on hand to discuss posters of their research and creative projects. Light refreshments will be provided. Faculty, staff, students, family, friends, and anyone interested in getting involved in research are welcome!
• Thursday, April 12
  Student Posters on Display
  All Day
  Charger Union, Second Floor
  
  Spotlight on Academic Clubs
  11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  Charger Union Breezeway (rain location: Charger Union, First Floor)
  Academic clubs are a great way to get started in research and creative projects at UAH! Academic clubs will be holding fun activities to introduce what their clubs do and why you should join.
• Friday, April 13
  "So You Think You Can Research"
  3 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  Salmon Library, Room 111
  Students will share creative projects and research with one slide and a three-minute presentation. Sodexo gift certificate prizes! Hosted by Dr. Candice Lanius, communication arts lecturer at UAH. All majors are welcome. Networking opportunities will also be available. Sign up to present your research. Space is limited!

"We’re very excited about this opportunity to celebrate student research and creativity on our campus," Cook says. "We look forward to holding these events annually and growing the involvement of students, faculty, researchers, staff, and the local community."

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