Undergraduates Present Scientific Research at 18th Annual Symposium

The University community is invited to join a record-breaking gathering of 123 future scientists as they present the results of their recent studies from the Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium.

The 18^th annual symposium will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Bayer Learning Center and Mellon Hall on Friday, July 31, marking the close of the Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences’ 10-week Undergraduate Research Program.

Students from Duquesne and 30 other institutions, plus nine high-school students who participated in this year’s Project SEED program, will share their findings at the symposium. And—for the first time—students from the Pain Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE) will also participate.

PURE is a new cross-disciplinary collaboration at the University designed to bring together experts in pain biology, chemistry, drug discovery and clinical fields with outstanding undergraduate researchers. It focuses on the study of chronic pain and clinical practice, introducing students to the field and encouraging the development of future scholars and clinicians.

The program and symposium provide students with opportunities to gain important laboratory and presentation experience early in their studies, said Bayer School Dean Dr. Philip Reeder.

“Exposing high school and undergraduate students to research aligns perfectly with the missions of the Bayer School and the University,” Reeder said. “These students are our future medical practitioners, scientists and teachers—and the earlier they are exposed to working in a research laboratory and presenting their results and conclusions, the better.”

In addition to the student presentations, Dr. Charles Kahle II, vice president of research and development, coatings and chief technology officer at PPG Industries, will deliver a keynote titled The Secret Life of Paint: What You See and the Science Behind It.

The Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium is funded by the Bayer School, the Mylan School of Pharmacy, the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, PURE, various University departments and faculty grants.

For more information, visit the symposium website or call 412.396.4900.