2015 SURF Highlights

There were 122 student researchers, both undergraduate and high school students presenting 78 different research projects at the 18th Annual Summer Undergraduate Research Fest (SURF). It was held on Wednesday, August 5, 2015, at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). The student-focused conference, hosted by the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences (CNMS), featured oral presentations, two poster sessions, and a closing ceremony. Thirty-five faculty mentors from UMBC and neighboring institutions supported the student investigations.

After the welcome by CNMS Dean William R. LaCourse, an interdisciplinary plenary session featured oral presentations on five projects by seven students. Two poster sessions followed the plenary session featuring 102 posters presented and co-presented by student researchers. A traditional closing ceremony recognized the student researchers, their mentors, and their projects.

The annual SURF serves as a culminating event for many undergraduate research programs at UMBC and provides a professional setting for students to present their research; some for the first time. More than 300 persons, including faculty, staff, lab group members and other guests, attended the event, which was made possible by the support of UMBC, CNMS and numerous sponsoring agencies and institutions, including: