Undergraduate Research Forum 2022 Heading link

This important campus-wide event, sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Research, the Honors College, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, the Latin@s Gaining Access to Networks for Advancement in Science program (L@S GANAS), the University Library, the Urban Health Program, and the Center for Clinical and Translational Science, showcases undergraduate student research covering a broad range of scholarship across a variety of disciplines.
The 2022 URF was held on April 6, 2022. The abstract book for the event is linked below. Future events will take place during the spring semester of each academic year.
If you are an undergraduate student who is involved in research, creative inquiry, performance, design, or other scholarly projects on campus under the formal supervision and/or direction of a UIC faculty member or other project supervisor, please consider presenting your work at the Undergraduate Research Forum.
See below for additional information pertaining to the event, including resources to help students prepare their research abstracts, presentations, and posters.
Undergraduate Research Forum 2022 Abstract Book
2022 Undergraduate Research Forum Award Winners Heading link
**Arts / Design / Humanities**
1st place: Evelyn Rios
- Project Title: Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of a HIV/STI risk reduction intervention for juvenile offenders: PHAT (Preventing HIV/Aids Among Teens) Life
- Supervisor: Nyssa Snow-Hill
- Affiliations: The Honors College, L@S GANAS
- Link to Abstract
3rd place: Ashley Maldonado
- Project Title: Living the Pandemic: Stories from an Affordable Housing Agency and Its Tenants
- Supervisor: Ralph Cintron
- Affiliation: The Office of Undergraduate Research
- Link to Abstract
**Business / Computer Science / Mathematics**
1st place (tie): Daniel Lee
- Project Title: Chess: Math and Computers
- Supervisor: Evangelos Kobotis
- Affiliation: The Honors College
- Link to Abstract
2nd place: Michelle Ramirez
- Project Title: Navigating an Ocean of Video Data: Deep Learning for Humpback Whale Classification in YouTube Videos
- Supervisor: Gonzalo Bello-Lander
- Affiliation: The Honors College
- Link to Abstract
**Engineering / Physical Sciences**
1st place (tie): Karim Al Zahabi
- Project Title: Title Shear and Extensional Rheology of Artificial Saliva Formulations and Their Components
- Supervisor: Name Vivek Sharma
- Affiliations: The Honors College, The Chancellor’s Undergraduate Research Award (CURA), The Office of Undergraduate Research
- Link to Abstract
1st place (tie): Amir Shirsalimian
- Project Title: Monte Carlo Simulations of Ordered Equimolar FCC-Nickel-Cobalt Alloy
- Supervisor: Matthew Daly
- Affiliation: The Office of Undergraduate Research
- Link to Abstract
2nd place: Lesly Villarreal
- Project Title: Engineering in vitro platform to precisely regulate oxygen tension on primary rat hepatocytes culture
- Supervisor: Salman Khetani
- Affiliation: The Honors College
- Link to Abstract
**Life Sciences**
1st place: Annabelle Moore
- Project Title: ApoE2 offers neuroprotection via the reduction of soluble AB42 in a transgenic mouse model
- Supervisor: Mary Jo LaDu
- Affiliation: The Honors College
- Link to Abstract
2nd place: Alice Liu
- Project Title: Functionally Engineered Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes for MS-induced Optic Neuritis
- Supervisor: Steven Roth
- Affiliation: The Honors College
- Link to Abstract
3rd place: Armanjot Lakhen
- Project Title: Subjective Responses to Methamphetamine in Men, Naturally Cycling Women, and Women Using Birth Control Pills
- Supervisor: Emma Childs
- Affiliation: The Honors College
- Link to Abstract
**Social Sciences**
1st place (tie): Denice Bernal Dominguez
- Project Title: Crimmigration: Beyond the Literature
- Supervisor: Ashley Muchow
- Affiliation: The Chancellor’s Undergraduate Research Award (CURA)
- Link to Abstract
1st place (tie): Karen John
- Project Title: Medicaid and Healthcare Access
- Supervisor: Yiqun Chen
- Affiliation: The Honors College
- Link to Abstract
1st place (tie): Faith Thrun
- Project Title: Name Preserving Identity: Religious Expression and Community Over Time in Concordia Cemetery
- Supervisor: Michelangelo Giampaoli
- Affiliation: The Honors College
- Link to Abstract
**Honors College Capstone Innovation Award**
1st place (tie): Emilio Ferral
- Project Title: A Glowing Future
- Supervisor: Paul Preissner
- Affiliation: The Honors College
- Link to Abstract
1st place (tie): Shola Jimoh
- Project Title: Beneath the Rummage of “The Black Metropolis”: The Socio-Cultural Consequences of Pathologizing Chicago’s South Side
- Supervisor: Faheem Majeed
- Affiliation: The Honors College
- Link to Abstract
Deadlines & Resources Heading link
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Important Deadlines
Deadline for Student Registration & Abstract Submission: Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.
Deadline for Alumni & UIC Judge Sign-Up: Friday, March 25, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.
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What to Expect at the Undergraduate Research Forum
What: UIC Undergraduate Research Forum 2022
Where: UIC Dorin Forum – 725 W. Roosevelt Rd., Chicago, IL 60607
When: Wednesday, April 6, 2022
Parking: Lot 5 – 1135 S. Morgan St., Chicago, IL 60607
Health Screening: All University attendees are required to present their “green” DailyPass badge and I-Card upon entry. All external guests will be required to answer health screening questions to confirm their health status.
Masking: Masking is strongly encouraged for all attendees.
Metal Detector Check: All attendees will be required to undergo a metal detector check upon entry. Persons entering metal detectors will be required to remove their phone, keys, coins, wallet, etc. from their pockets. Please familiarize yourself with the details of the Dorin Forum metal detector security check policy prior to arrival.
Bag Policy: Student presenters will be permitted to bring backpacks into the Forum. Otherwise, bags and large purses are restricted according to the Dorin Forum bag policy. Please be sure to familiarize yourself with the policy for bags, purses, and backpacks prior to arrival.
For Student Presenters
11:30am | Student Presenter Check-In Begins
- Arrive as close to 11:30am as you are able to in order to get set up in your presentation location.
- At check-in you will need to present:
- Your I-Card
- Your DailyPass and/or answer health questions as needed
- At check-in you will receive:
- Your presentation location & presentation ID number
- Bottle of water
- Participation certificate
- Map of the space
- Schedule for the day
- Wi-Fi access card
- A sign to post at your presentation location should you need to step away for a few minutes
1:00pm | Student Presentations & Judging Begin
- During this time, over the course of two-and-a-half hours, you will have the opportunity to give your 5-7 minute presentation to various UIC faculty, staff, and alumni judges as well as other students, faculty, staff and guests as they make their way through the space.
- Each presentation will be assigned several judges who will visit during the judging period to listen to your presentation, view your poster/visual, and ask some questions about your project.
- Be prepared to speak to a wide academic audience and answer questions!
- Keep an eye out for informational tables hosted by various academic and administrative units across campus. The tables will be set up in the hallway just outside the presentation space.
3:30pm | Student Presentations & Judging Ends
- Student presentations will end, and judges will have some time to submit their final scores.
- Use this short break to grab a drink of water, use the restroom, or even stop by another student’s presentation (time allowing).
3:45pm | Keynote Address & Awards Ceremony
- Come together with your peers and other attendees in the main hall for a keynote address from Dr. Cynthia Blair and awards for top scoring presentations in the following categories:
- Honors Capstone
- Life Sciences
- Arts, Design & Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Business, Computer Science, and Mathematics
- Engineering and the Physical Sciences
5:00pm | The event concludes
For UIC & Alumni Judges
12:00pm | Judge Check-In Begins
- Upon arrival, you will need to present:
- Your I-Card
- Your DailyPass and/or answer health questions as needed
- At check-in, you will receive a judging folder that will include:
- Paper scorecards for notetaking and instructions for digitally submitting your scores
- A copy of the project abstracts for each presentation assigned to you for judging
- A map of the space
- Wi-Fi access card
- Judging Tips and Sample Questions
- Schedule for the Day
- After check-in, you will be invited to one of two Judges Rooms for a brief welcome and orientation before judging begins at 1pm. You will be able to use this same location at any point during the judging period to take a break and/or to submit your scores.
1:00pm | Student Presentations & Judging Begins
- During this time, over the course of two-and-a-half hours, you will have the opportunity to review your assigned student presentations and possibly to view additional presentations at your own pace.
- Using the map provided and the presentation ID numbers assigned to each presentation, you will be able to locate your assigned presentations for judging.
- Each presentation should last approximately 5-7 minutes with time thereafter for a chance for you to ask questions of the student(s) to learn more about their work.
- During these presentations you can use the provided paper scorecards to take notes and to reference when you submit your final scores later.
- Presentations should be tailored for a general academic audience and therefore it is expected that you may be assigned one or more presentations in an area outside of your field.
- After you have reviewed all of your assigned presentations, feel free to view others and connect with other faculty, staff, alumni and students in attendance, but be sure to submit your final scores no later than 3:45pm. You can use the link provided on the paper scorecards to access the electronic scorecard.
- We invite you to return to the Judges Room at this time so you can submit your scores in a quiet setting. There will be plenty of chairs and tables in the Judge Room.
3:30pm | Student Presentations & Judging Ends
- Student presentations will end and judges will have several minutes to submit their final scores before the 3:45pm deadline if they have not already done so.
- Use this short break to grab a drink of water, use the restroom, and/or submit your final scores.
3:45pm | Keynote & Awards Ceremony & Score Submission Cutoff
- Score Submission Cutoff
- At this time, the digital scorecard will shut down and no additional scores will be received online.
- Keynote & Awards Ceremony
- Join us in the main hall for a keynote address from Dr. Cynthia Blair and awards for top scoring presentations in the following categories:
- Honors Capstone
- Life Sciences
- Arts, Design & Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Business, Computer Science, and Mathematics
- Engineering and the Physical Sciences
- Join us in the main hall for a keynote address from Dr. Cynthia Blair and awards for top scoring presentations in the following categories:
5:00pm | The event concludes.
For General Guests
This event is open to UIC students, faculty, staff, and invited guests.
Please use this form to RSVP to attend if you are not already registered as a student presenter, judge, and/or volunteer.
All guests must RSVP in advance.
1:00pm | Guest Admission & Student Presentations Begin
- Upon arrival, you will need to present:
- Your name for RSVP verification
- Your DailyPass and/or answer health questions as needed
- After check-in, you will have two-and-a-half-hours to explore the forum and student presentations at your own pace.
- Keep an eye out for informational tables hosted by various academic and administrative units across campus. The tables will be set up in the hallway just outside the presentation space.
3:30pm | Student Presentations and Judging Ends
- Use this short break to grab a drink of water or use the restroom before the keynote address and awards ceremony begins at 3:45pm.
- Join us in the main hall for a keynote address from Dr. Cynthia Blair and awards for top scoring presentations in the following categories:
- Honors Capstone
- Life Sciences
- Arts, Design & Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Business, Computer Science, and Mathematics
- Engineering and the Physical Sciences
5:00pm | The event concludes.
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Presentation Guidelines
- Presentations will take place from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the UIC Dorin Forum on the day of the event (April 6, 2022).
- Posters will be mounted on fencing inside the main hall of the Forum. Each student will be assigned a designated space for their poster and presentation.
- While you are not required to have a poster or visual aid, it is STRONGLY encouraged.
- Your presentation should be approximately 7 minutes in length and you should allow for approximately 3 minutes of Q&A immediately following your presentation with a judge and/or visitor(s).
- Presenters are encouraged to consult with their mentors about what to include in their research poster or other applicable visual aid.
- Presenters should be prepared to explain their poster and project to a non-specialist audience of students, faculty, and staff.
Learn more about crafting a stellar presentation with the Poster Design & Presentation Video Workshop presented by the UIC Honors College.
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Abstract Guidelines & Submission
All students who register to present at the 2022 UIC Undergraduate Research Forum are required to submit a project abstract of 300 words or less as a Word document, no later than 5pm on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, via email to: URF_Reg.t2glpzupei7bcuc9@u.box.com.
Abstract content will vary depending on the nature of the project, but the abstract should summarize the project in language that is understandable to a broad academic audience. The abstract submission must include the following:
- Project Title
- Abstract Author Name(s)
- Abstract Text (maximum of 300 words)
- An abstract typically includes a sentence or two that introduces the project/research; a statement related to the significance of the research; and a summary of the project’s methodology, results, and conclusion(s).
Learn more about abstracts with the Abstract Writing Video Workshop presented by the UIC Honors College.
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General Poster Creation Guidelines
- 48”x36” recommended, matte required (not glossy or fabric), in horizontal (landscape) format.
- General font size recommendations: Title=60pt, Author’s Name=48pt, Headers=36pt, Text=24-30pt. Helvetica or Arial fonts work well for legibility.
- Use simple fonts such as Arial or Times New Roman.
- Posters should be legible at 3 to 4 feet away and the project title should be legible from at least 6 feet away from the poster.
- There must be a minimum of a 3/4-inch border around the outside of the poster.
- Photos, graphics, illustrations, graphs, and tables add visual interest to posters.
- If using an image from another source, it must either be licensed, or you must have written permission granting you use of the image by the creator. High-quality images work best since low-resolution images don’t reproduce well.
- Avoid using dark backgrounds behind your body text; dark backgrounds can sometimes work well for presentations on computers (e.g., PowerPoint files), but they generally do not work well for printed text. Dark backgrounds behind titles on printed posters, on the other hand, may be acceptable since titles should be in bold font.
- Make sure that your formatting is consistent throughout the poster. For example, if you have an extra line break below one section title, make sure the same spacing is used below other section titles.
Learn more about crafting a poster with the Poster Design & Presentation Video Workshop presented by the UIC Honors College.
Poster Printing Instructions
[Note: The instructions in this section do not apply to Honors College students presenting a Capstone and L@S GANAS. If you are an Honors College student or L@S GANAS student, please see the relevant section below.]
UIC students will be offered a 10% poster printing discount from MakeSigns. Free standard shipping is included in the poster printing cost. The link for poster printing is made available via the registration confirmation email that is sent following successful registration for the 2022 UIC Undergraduate Research Forum. Posters must be shipped either to a student’s personal residence or to the office of their faculty supervisor or their department, but only in cases where explicit permission to do so has been obtained.
We anticipate the final deadline for poster printing via MakeSigns.com to be ten (10) days in advance of the URF; as such, please be sure to place your order no later than Wed., March 30, 2022.
Poster Printing for L@S GANAS Students
All posters should be 48″x36″ in horizontal orientation (i.e., landscape). Free poster printing from MakeSigns will be available for L@S GANAS students. The link for poster printing will be provided directly by the L@S GANAS program via email several days following registration for URF, after verification of L@S GANAS affiliation. All posters must be shipped either to a student’s personal residence or to the office of their faculty supervisor or their department, but only in cases where explicit permission to do so has been obtained.
We anticipate the final deadline for poster printing via MakeSigns.com to be ten (10) days in advance of the URF; as such, please be sure to place your order no later than Wed., March 30, 2022.
Poster Printing for Honors College Students
All posters should be 48″x36″ in horizontal orientation (i.e., landscape). Free poster printing from MakeSigns will be available for students presenting an Honors Capstone at the URF event. The link for printing of posters will be provided via the Blackboard HON 322 site. We anticipate the final deadline for poster printing via MakeSigns.com to be ten (10) days in advance of the URF; as such, please be sure to place your order no later than Wed., March 30, 2022. Keep an eye on the Blackboard HON 322 site for further information.
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Honors College Capstone Project Resources
UIC Honors College Capstone Project Information & Best Practices Video Presentation
A Closer Look at the Capstone Project presented by the UIC Honors College
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L@S GANAS Workshops
The Latin@s Gaining Access to Networks for Advancement in Science (L@S GANAS) program is proud to present several workshops to help you prepare for the Undergraduate Research Forum and beyond! Click here to RSVP for one of the below sessions!
- Mock Presentations for Research Day | Monday, April 4, 2022, at 4:30pm | The Latino Cultural Center
- Research as a Career Panel | Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at 2:00pm | The Latino Cultural Center
- Science Chats Field Trip to Research Day | Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at 12:00pm | Meet at The Latino Cultural Center
- Maximizing Your Gap Year Workshop | Thursday, April 7, 2022, at 2:00pm | The Latino Cultural Center
- Presenting Research at a Professional Conference | Friday, April 8, 2022, at 2:00pm | Virtual Workshop