Denman Research Forum to be held Wednesday

COLUMBUS – A record number of Ohio State University students will participate in the Richard J. and Martha D. Denman Undergraduate Research Forum from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday (5/14) at the Blackwell Inn and Pfahl Executive Conference Center, 2110 Tuttle Park Place.

In its eighth year, the forum will showcase the work of 228 undergraduates. All research areas will be represented: administrative sciences, the arts, biological sciences, education, engineering, health professions, humanities, human ecology, food, agricultural and environmental sciences, mathematical and physical sciences, and social and behavioral sciences.

Tom Rosol, interim vice president for the Office of Research, said research is a vital part of the education process for undergraduates as well as graduate students.

“Undergraduate student research is a two-way street,” Rosol said. “It is an excellent opportunity for students to experience the high quality of research conducted by our faculty and to make significant contributions to the process.

“Students really are the driving force for research in many laboratories and scholarly programs at Ohio State.”

Participation this year has more than tripled from the 60 undergraduates involved in the first forum. Abstracts submitted this year have increased approximately 62 percent from the 141 presented in 2002. Cash prizes will be awarded in each of the final research categories and published in Ohio State’s “Journal of Undergraduate Research Scholarship.”

Linda Harlow, associate provost for Honors and Scholars, said the forum strongly supports the university’s Academic Plan as it strengthens the level and quality of undergraduate education.

“This is a campus-wide collaboration that involves honors and scholars, and the offices of research, undergraduate studies and university development,” she said. “We have been very aggressive in our attempt to increase awareness and our mission to get more students involved in research as undergraduates.

“I also think that a significant part of our success is the fact that we are working with a better prepared student body where research is becoming a more natural progression to their education.”

The forum is funded through a major gift from long-time university supporters Richard and Martha Denman. Richard is a 1957 graduate of Ohio State and serves on the Ohio State Foundation Board of Directors and is a recipient of the university’s Distinguished Service Award.
Rosol said the event would not be possible without the generosity of the Denmans and the help of so many at the university.

“Faculty involvement, mentorship, and encouragement are critical to the success of the forum,” Rosol said. “With the help of dedicated staff members, the forum provides an enjoyable learning experience and a productive environment for highlighting the wonderful accomplishments of our students.”