April 08, 2009
Sixth annual event will showcase research at SIUC
CARBONDALE -- Research is the bedrock at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and that foundation will be on display at an event next week.
The sixth annual Research Town Meeting & Fair is set for Tuesday, April 14, at the Student Center. Various events, which showcase workshops, speeches and some of the University’s best ongoing research, run from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The event highlights SIUC faculty researchers and their work, which supports the University’s role as a research institution. Those attending can examine various displays that outline projects or attend some of the lectures set for that day.
A workshop for undergraduate students that will focus on the many funding opportunities for undergraduates at SIUC to get involved in research is a new part of this year’s event.
The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Dean will play host to the event. John A. Koropchak, vice chancellor for research and dean of the graduate school, said the event -- attended by almost 500 people last year -- provides a forum for discussion of the many University activities that support research on campus, and a means to celebrate success.
“The Research Town Meeting showcases research conducted at SIUC and involves faculty and students, both graduate and undergraduate, as well as interdisciplinary research centers,” Koropchak said. “The annual event is an opportunity for hundreds of faculty and students across campus to share their research through poster presentations.”
This year’s event starts with discussions and presentations on finding external funding for research projects. Koropchak said there are unprecedented opportunities for researchers to attract federal resources to Southern Illinois.
From 10 to 11 a.m., speakers and their various venues include:
• Dragana Brzakovic, National Science Foundation Office of Integrative Activities, Illinois Room.
• Terry Scrogum, Illinois Arts Council, Mackinaw Room
• Julia Spears, Office of Research Development and Administration, SIUC, Saline Room
The same presenters will give their presentations a second time in the same locations, giving attendees a chance to catch another speaker. The event organizers will provide coffee and pastries from 9:30-10 a.m. and lunch from 12:30 to 1 p.m. preceding the discussion sessions.
SIUC Chancellor Samuel Goldman will give a welcome at 2 p.m. in Ballroom A, followed by the keynote address by William Bonvillian of Massachusetts Institute of Technology Washington Office. Bonvillian will speak on “The Energy Technology Agenda: R&D and Implementation.”
Poster sessions with research displays and demonstrations begin at 3 p.m. in Student Center ballrooms and the Corker Lounge, with exhibits and refreshments.
The Southern Illinois Symphony Brass Quintet will play at 3:30 p.m. in the ballrooms, followed by a wine and cheese reception there at 4 p.m.