Undergraduate expo reception held to honor students and faculty

A reception for the 14th Annual Undergraduate Expo was held in the UC Grand Room on March 26, 2012, highlighting student research and the faculty sponsors who helped their students succeed.

In total, there are 223 student presenters and 63 faculty sponsors participating in the Undergraduate Expo this year. Students will present their work at various locations on campus through Tuesday, and the full schedule can be found here.

Dean of the Honors College, Dr. Brian E. Railsback spoke on the work presented at this year’s expo and praised students for their hard work and dedication.

“There is outstanding undergrad research occurring at Western. We shine and do really well. We creamed App this year but I know it’s not about that,” said Railsback.

Fifty presentations will move on to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) at Weber State University in Ogden Utah, March 28-21, 2012.

At the reception, four Western Carolina University faculty members received the Recognition of Distinction in Instruction and Nurturing (RODIN) Award.

The RODIN Award recognizes faculty members for their support in undergraduate research at Western Carolina University. This year, the Honors College singled out professors who’s honors contracts have inspired deeper research. The participants include: Pamela Duncan, Assistant Professor of English; Karyn Tomczak, Program Director of Dance; Blair Tormey, Lecturer of Geology;  and Michelle Scifers, Assistant Professor.

Recipients of the RODIN Award received a $500 prize and an engraved replica of “The Thinker”.