Frequently Asked Questions - Fall 2012 Graduate Engineering Research Showcase - Samuel Ginn College of Engineering

The purpose of the event is to highlight and reward the outstanding work of our graduate students, to promote engineering scholarship, professionalism and interdisciplinary research, and to introduce new graduate students into the culture of our graduate programs. The event will include a welcome speech by the Dean, a graduate student poster competition, a meet & greet with new graduate students, refreshments and more.

Where will the Engineering Research Showcase be held?

The Showcase will be held at the Shelby Center. The introduction by Dean Roberts will be held in the John Hartley Main Auditorium (Room 1103). The poster will be presented outside the Shelby Center on the porticos. In the event of inclimate weather, the posters will be presented first floor galleries.
(Click for a larger image)

Who is sponsoring this event?

The event is sponsored by the College of Engineering Dean (Dr. Christopher Roberts), facilitated by Dr. Brian Thurow of the Department of Aerospance Engineering, and organized by a volunteer group of engineering graduate students known as the Council of Engineering Graduate Students (CEGS).

Are there prizes?

Yes! We will be awarding the following prizes:
First place -- $1,500
Second place -- $1,250
Third place -- $1,000
Honorable Mention (5) -- $500
Departmental Winners (8) -- $100
Notes: There is a maximum of one prize per participant. One departmental winner will be selected from each department.

How is this related to the Graduate Student Forum and Research Week?

The Engineering Research Showcase is not directly tied to either the Graduate Forum or Research Week. However, we see the Engineering Research Showcase as an opportunity for graduate student in the College of Engineering to test and refine their presentation skills and media, in front of an audience of their peers.

How can I participate?

We're looking for presenters, attendees, and faculty judges. Presenters will need to make a poster presentation. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about research being performed by other students in other departments.

What is a poster presentation?

In a nutshell, you make a poster explaining your research, colleagues come to see you and your poster, and you describe your research to them, as briefly as possible. This is an opportunity for you to polish your presentation skills and to share your research interests with others.

What are the poster specifications?

The maximum size for your poster is 36" x 44". Portrait or landscape. May be mounted on foam board, but it is not required.

Where can I print my poster?

In the Media and Digitial Resource Lab inside the Draughton Library. There is no charge for "class assignments or academic research projects."

Where can I get my poster laminated and/or mounted to a foam board?

Engineering Media Services in the Shelby Center can laminate your poster and/or apply a foam board backing. They can also print up to 42" wide posters (for a fee).

Should I laminate or mount my poster? Or should I do both?

Laminating gives the poster a professional look and is recommended. Mounting on foam board makes displaying on an easel easy, but it makes the poster difficult to travel with, especially for air travel. Also, remember that you may decide to change something on your poster after using it in a forum such as this Research Showcase.

What are the deadlines?

Presenters must register by 12:00 midnight CST August 23, 2012

Who will be judging the posters and presentations?

A panel of faculty members from each department within the College of Engineering.

What criteria will the judges use when they evaluate the posters and presentations?

Posters will be judged on the quality of the poster design (aesthetics, audience, conciseness, organization, and content) and the presenter's presentation skills (enthusiasm, presentation, response to questions, technical understanding, and audience).