Central Michigan University

Wednesday, April 5, 2006

13TH ANNUAL CMU RESEARCH EXHIBITION DISPLAYS STUDENTS' WORK AND CREATIVITY

Research projects on pizza chains, nonmelting ice cream and Disney movies are all part of the Student Research and Creative Endeavors Exhibition at Central Michigan University.

The exhibition will be held on April 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. in CMU's Finch Fieldhouse. More than 375 displays, computer and videotape demonstrations, case studies, internship experiences, and creative performances by both undergraduate and graduate students will be featured.

"We have an exciting array of topics being presented by students from every academic college," said James Hageman, dean of the College of Graduate Studies and vice provost for research. "More than 700 students will be present to discuss their research and scholarly endeavors. In addition, original student performances and other creative displays will give a real feel for the tremendous breadth of educational activities going on every day at CMU. This exhibition is the one annual opportunity to get a cross-sectional view of the intellectual and creative life of the university."

"This year a new program will recognize graduate students for their teaching, research and creative projects, and professional work," said Lisa Boyd, assistant to the dean. "During the formal program, a number of master's and doctoral-level students will receive cash awards for their work.

"We're initiating this program to recognize the outstanding work our graduate students are doing," Boyd said. "They are so important to undergraduate learning, whether they are teaching undergraduates or working with them on research."

Projects to be displayed include studies on women and tattoos, speech-recognition technologies, fish, leaf composition in the Chippewa River, how to treat brain injuries, dendrimers, graphic design, fertility, stuttering, lake sturgeon characteristics, visual aids for children's learning and Web site creation.

Other studies examine interning in law enforcement, trash dumping in Michigan, Medicare, issues with U.S customs and border control, radio drama, Native American gaming, regulation of food and drugs, age discrimination in employment, and online pharmacies.

"The event grows every year," said Boyd. "This year an additional 50 projects will be featured compared to last year."