UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — There is still time for students to submit an application for the Undergraduate Exhibition and even more time to prepare for the exhibition itself.

Students are required to have a faculty mentor and craft a 75-word abstract in order to complete their application, due by March 24. Then, they have until April 17, the day of the exhibition, to complete the poster, presentation, dance musical number or other performance. The application can be found here.

Jen Buchan, a graduate assistant with the University Fellowships Office, said many students may not realize work they’ve already done could be considered “research.” This semester she’s been leading workshops related to undergraduate research and helping students figure out what they can present at the Undergraduate Exhibition.

“Because the professor asked them to do research, many students assume that the work they do in that class is isolated to the classroom,” Buchan said. “So, I tell them, ‘This is your work. You did the thinking, gathering, compiling and writing. If you apply to present your work at a conference, such as the Undergraduate Exhibition, and you are accepted, then you will have shared your findings with an audience.’”

Because the exhibition is based on research and scholarly activities, UFO and University Libraries — with support from Undergraduate Education — are working to expose students to the undergraduate opportunities available to them. In the coming weeks there will be a no-cost workshop covering research ethics and emotional intelligence on March 21.

On March 14 and 25, students are invited to explore designing and creating effective research posters. Students can also learn how to display their information visually by referring to the Libraries’ poster guide.

A full list of events and their times and locations can be found here.

Students looking to get the basics on how to apply can contact the UFO and request a copy of the presentation from earlier this semester. Visit the Undergraduate Research website to learn about the process of inquiry, defining research and finding research opportunities.

New this year, students can apply for the Engagement Experience Poster Exhibition, a session occurring during the Undergraduate Exhibition that highlights student achievement in engaged learning. This new session encourages students to create a poster that reflects on their transformative experiences with others. This could be through internships, study abroad experiences, entrepreneurial ventures, community projects, student organizations, professional experiences, create accomplishments, peer mentoring and volunteering.

Research Opportunities for Undergraduate Students is part of Undergraduate Education, the academic administrative unit that provides leadership and coordination for University-wide programs and initiatives in support of undergraduate teaching and learning at Penn State. Learn more about Undergraduate Education at undergrad.psu.edu. Sign up for UE Headlines for the latest news.