Research mentors, programs sought to participate in virtual Undergraduate Research Roundtable

Purdue faculty, staff, postdocs and graduate students are invited to participate in the virtual fall Undergraduate Research Roundtable from 2 to 6 p.m. Sept. 30.

The Research Roundtable hosts Purdue faculty research mentors, program directors and staff to present upcoming research opportunities or available topics to undergraduates seeking mentored research positions. Students from all majors are encouraged to attend to learn about opportunities across campus.

Online registration is available to reserve a booth for a program, project or opportunity. Information on how to use the online platforms is available on the Research Roundtable website and will be sent to those who register for the event. The priority deadline is Sept. 24, but booths can be added closer to the event. A booth does not have to be staffed the entire duration of the Research Roundtable.

Last fall, the virtual Research Roundtable had more than 600 students attend, and booth participants included the following in their feedback with 66% stating they “definitely” made a connection that will lead to a future researcher:

* “Usually undergrads who want to work with me contact me directly, mostly only from my department, and I usually get one to three applicants a year. This year, 12 applicants come from many different departments and colleges, a much better representation of undergrads on campus. You should definitely do this again.”

* “Students who attended and joined our conversations were genuinely interested in getting involved in research!”

* “I find Discord [the online platform used] to be a very flexible tool well suited to events where people drop in and out casually.”

For more information, email the Office of Undergraduate Research at UGresearch@purdue.edu.

This event is co-sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Research and the Purdue Society of Professional Engineers.