UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Four participants in this year’s Undergraduate Research Exhibition received the 2023 Data Visualization Award sponsored by the University Libraries’ Data Learning Center. Designed to increase digital information literacy by raising awareness of the importance of data visualization, the award recognizes exceptional data visualization skills and innovative use of visualization techniques to convey complex data and insights.

Taking first place was Andrew Kacala, a junior majoring in biology (neuroscience option), whose submission “The Role of Binge Alcohol Consumption on Somatostatin Cell Density and Signaling” demonstrated outstanding creativity, clarity and visual appeal. Kacala received $175 in recognition of his achievement.

The second-place winner was Nate Cherok, a junior geography major, whose submission “Quantifying Nutritional Yield within Morocco’s Agroforestry Systems” impressed the judges with its publication-quality visual presentation. Cherok received a prize of $100.

The judges also recognized two honorable mentions for their exceptional work. Simran Mukhi and Ben Chang each received a prize of $50.

Submissions were evaluated based on overall design, effectiveness in communicating complex data, and innovative use of visualization tools and techniques.

”We were pleased to see such a high level of creativity and data visualization expertise among the submissions,” said Paulina Krys, data analytics and visualization analyst in the Libraries’ Research Informatics and Publishing department. “The Data Learning Center extends our congratulations to the winners and honorable mentions, and we thank all participants for their outstanding work. We hope this award will inspire even more innovative and effective data visualization in the future.”