The Denman Undergraduate Research Forum was held on May 9th, 2012.
The Forum was created in 1996 and is a cooperative effort of The Ohio State University's Honors & Scholars Center, The Undergraduate Research Office, and The Office of Research. The Forum is an opportunity to showcase outstanding student research, and we encourage all undergraduates to participate in research as a value-added element of their education.
For those of you interested in pursuing a research project, the Undergraduate Research Office is a great place to start. Undergraduate research is one of the higher level opportunities available to you at The Ohio State University!
Undergraduate research topics can arise in many different ways. You might want to delve deeper into a topic from a class. You may have participated in a study abroad trip where a phenomenon or cultural practice intrigued or perplexed you. Current affairs provide a constant stream of puzzles and problems that bear closer scrutiny.
As an institution dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and understanding of our world, The Ohio State University is an excellent venue for you to pursue your research interests.
Research is not easy. It requires dedication and perseverance. Professors, graduate students, and even other undergraduates are available to provide support, guidance and fresh insights to help you move forward in your research project.
The advantages associated with the successful execution of a research project can be considerable. For those students considering graduate school, an undergraduate research experience in your background indicates to admissions committees you have started to make the transition from undergraduate level study to the more rigorous, theoretical and research based study at the graduate level. A research paper can provide very high level excerpts for graduate school application writing samples. The close working relationship with a professor or graduate student that can arise during a research project can lead to an excellent letter of recommendation, one that is based upon your actual research performance.
For students not pursuing graduate school, the successful completion of a research project can indicate to future employers your high level of personal initiative and ability to execute a complex plan of action.