14th Annual Massachusetts Statewide Undergraduate Research Conference
AMHERST – On May 2, 2008, Commonwealth College will host the 14th Annual Massachusetts Statewide Undergraduate Research Conference, where students from every public higher education institution in the state will present thesis research, creative work in the visual and performing arts, independent study, and reports on community service and study abroad. The event will be held at the Campus Center at UMass Amherst beginning at 9:00 am. Media credentials will not be necessary, though reporters are encouraged to check in during registration between 8:00 and 9:00 am.The day-long event is co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, which oversees the 29-campus system of public higher education in the state, and Commonwealth College, the honors college at the University of Massachusetts. More than 500 students, up from 400 participants last year, are expected to present on a broad variety of academic disciplines. First held in 1995 for the four undergraduate campuses of the UMass system, the conference has grown to involve students from all institutions of higher education in Massachusetts.
“It’s not often that undergraduate students spanning the entire spectrum of public higher education in Massachusetts have an opportunity come together to share their research and best thinking with peers and faculty,” said Patricia F. Plummer, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. “This promises to be a very dynamic day for our public higher education system and for our students."
"I am so impressed with the work of these talented, young scholars. By participating in research, they have created new knowledge and contributed to the advancement of their fields. The work that is being presented demonstrates the creativity and scholarly pursuits of our undergraduate students in Massachusetts. I am pleased that Commonwealth College can host this wonderful event." Priscilla M. Clarkson, Distinguished Professor and Dean of Commonwealth College.
The conference provides a rare opportunity for undergraduate students to present their academic work in a formal setting, receive feedback from established scholars in their field and share their work with peers. In addition to gaining valuable presentation experience and receiving feedback on their work, students will also have the opportunity to interact with and examine the work of other undergraduates in their fields.
The event will feature two keynote speakers, both from UMass Amherst. Raymond Bradley is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Geosciences, with a particular focus on climate variability over time. Professor Bradley has written or edited 11 books on climatic change and paleoclimatology, and has authored more than 120 articles on these topics. His research group is supported by grants from the National Science Foundation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Dept. of Energy.
Dr. Amilcar Shabazz, professor and chair of the W.E.B. Du Bois Department of Afro-American Studies, and teaches in the area of historical studies with an emphasis on the political economy of social and cultural movements, education and public history. In addition to being a well published international scholar, Dr. Shabazz is a Fulbright Senior Specialist and has worked in Brazil, Ghana, Japan, Cuba, Mali, France, Nicaragua and Jamaica.
More information about the conference is available on the conference web site: http://www.comcol.umass.edu/conference.
About the Public Higher Education System in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts public higher education system comprises 29 campuses - 15 community colleges, nine state colleges, and five campuses of the University of Massachusetts - spread out among all regions of the Commonwealth. This public system exists to provide accessible, affordable, relevant, and rigorous programs that adapt to meet changing individual and societal needs for education and employment, and is committed to continuous improvement and accountability in all aspects of teaching and learning. With a distinguished past, increasing and measurable accomplishments, and a dedication to becoming one of the nation's most outstanding array of institutions, Massachusetts Public Higher Education serves approximately 260,000 students annually and in 2006 alone awarded more than 30,000 degrees and certificates. For more information, please visit: www.mass.edu
About Commonwealth College
Commonwealth College, the honors college at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, uses the resources of a large, public research university to offer students an academic community that promotes lifelong learning and engagement with society, with leading scholars, and with their peers. The curriculum emphasizes inquiry and critical analysis, independent research, collaborative work, engagement with society, and effective communication skills. The College encourages discovery, creativity, initiative, responsibility, collaboration, leadership, and independent thought. In step with the land grant mission of the University, Commonwealth College promotes meaningful engagement with society. It works with the University and surrounding community to afford its students academically based opportunities such as internships, co-ops, experiential learning courses, leadership training, and community service learning courses. The College also promotes student leadership through specific leadership courses, through its speaker series and alumni mentoring/shadowing programs, and by encouraging student participation in college activities such as peer mentoring, committee work, and events planning. For more information, please visit: http://www.comcol.umass.edu/index.html
