ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Virtual SURF 2020 represents a true collaborative effort. First, we want to thank Dr. April Householder who generously shared templates and her experiences from the 2020 URCAD when an online SURF 2020 was first being considered. Many thanks go to the very patient VoiceThread experts and instructional design team members from the Division of Information Technology who made the Virtual SURF 2020 possible. Another thanks goes to Melissa Penley Cormier for creating the banner from photos taken at the 2014 SURF. Another big thank you goes to Dr. Lola Brown, who volunteered to share her expertise and experiences through the presentation workshop, The Science of Poster & Oral Presentations, for prospective SURF presenters on July 15, 2020.
It is important to recognize Dr. William R. LaCourse, the CNMS Dean (and long-time SURF research mentor), for his continued support of SURF and undergraduate research at UMBC. We also want to thank the many program directors, program coordinators, department staff, and college personnel who continue to support SURF and undergraduate research opportunities – near and far. We thank the many faculty, lab, staff, and peer mentors of this year’s SURF presenters who were willing to support these undergraduate researchers during the COVID-19 outbreak. Their dedication to students and their undergraduate research training is both admirable and amazing!
We also send our thanks to all the Virtual SURF 2020 visitors – especially those taking time to make this a truly interactive event by leaving written and recorded messages for the presenters.
Dr. Kathy Lee Sutphin, Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, CNMS
Ms. Justine Johnson, Associate Director of the Meyerhoff Graduate Program
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INFORMATION
Consistent with its commitment to academic freedom, UMBC does not restrict the topics of inquiry that can be accepted for SURF, the conclusions that are reached in student work, or the representations chosen by the student and mentor for that work. A mentor-approved abstract describing the work and its intellectual context is required. Approval to present work at SURF is given by the faculty mentors of the students. All presenters have some connection to UMBC, its faculty, and/or its programs.
UMBC is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive environment for all students, staff, and visitors. This event will be auto-captioned. For information about VoiceThread accessibility support, please visit:
https://wiki.umbc.edu/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=96537371
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SURVEY
Please take a minute or two to share your thoughts about the Virtual SURF 2020 by taking a brief survey. Hosting the Virtual SURF 2020 has been a learning experience. We would like to know what you liked about the event and how you think future virtual student research conferences could be improved.
To take the brief survey – please click this link
Thank you!