Undergraduate Research
In this section:TSC’s Undergraduate Research Symposium is an annual celebration of TSC students’ scholarly and creative achievements from throughout the academic year. We welcome student participants from all disciplines, with opportunities for students to present research carried out in the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and the fine arts.
The Undergraduate Research Program welcomes students to submit all kinds of academic and creative work for inclusion in our annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, including:
- Laboratory Experiments
- Creative Performances
- Visual Artwork
- Films
- Independent Study Projects
Students also have the opportunity to present in a variety of formats, ranging from poster presentations to oral presentations to 3-Minute Thesis video presentations, short recorded presentations, no more than three minutes long, delivered “elevator-pitch style.” Students in the visual and performing arts have an opportunity to share their work, while also reflecting on the ways in which the techniques developed by artists through the ages have influenced their own work.
Participation in the symposium is competitive, and students must submit an abstract, or brief summary, of their work for consideration. An interdisciplinary committee will review the abstracts submitted for inclusion in the annual symposium. Students who are selected qualify to present their projects at the annual symposium and compete for a limited number of cash prizes. Submissions open during the fall semester each year.
How to Participate
1. Find a TSC Faculty Mentor
Before submitting your project's abstract for consideration, you'll first need to have a faculty mentor. You'll need to provide us with your faculty mentor’s name and TSC email address when you submit your abstract. If you completed your project for a class, start by asking the professor for that class to serve as your mentor. Alternatively, you could ask another professor you've worked with to serve as your mentor. If you need assistance locating a faculty mentor, fill out our interest form.
2. Choose Your Presentation Style
Choose one of the following presentations format options:
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Oral Presentation |
Delivered in-person with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation | |
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Poster Presentation |
Visual representation of your research on a poster presented during a poster session
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Performing Arts Presentation |
Music, dance, or theatre performance, or original film |
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Visual Arts Presentation |
Drawing, painting, photograph, and other media, presented in the style of a poster presentation |
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3-Minute Thesis Video Presentation |
Video-recorded presentation, no more than 3 minutes in duration |
3. Prepare & Submit Your Abstract
ABSTRACT WRITING GUIDELINES
Your abstract is a short description (150 words) of what you did and learned from your research project. Think of it like a movie trailer. It should leave the reader eager to learn more but knowledgeable enough to grasp the scope of your work. It should be interesting, informative, and written for a broad audience. Your abstract should include the following:
- Abstract Title: The title of your abstract should describe what your project is about in about 10 to 15 words. Indicate what was studied, not the results or conclusions.
- Introduction: The introduction should explicitly state what the project investigated and why it is important. It might include the study’s purpose and rationale, if appropriate, and/or the study’s practical value. (1-3 sentences)
- Body: The body should summarize how you did your project, which may include the study’s methods, how data was collected, how many subjects participated, and what instruments were used, as appropriate. (1-3 sentences)
- Results and Conclusion: The abstract may conclude with a summary of the project’s finding or any conclusions drawn. (1-3 sentences)
4. Submit Your Project
Students selected to participate in the Undergraduate Research Symposium are required to submit a digital poster file, 3-minute thesis video, oral presentation slides, artwork, film, musical accompaniment, and other media prior to the symposium. Additional information will be sent to selected presenters via TSC email.
Past Symposiums
2025 Undergraduate Research Symposium Program
2024 Undergraduate Research Symposium Program
2023 Undergraduate Research Symposium Program
2022 Undergraduate Research Symposium Program
2021 Undergraduate Research Symposium Program
2019 Undergraduate Research Symposium Program