Research expo to be held at OU

Ohio University will host the Student Research and Creative Activity Expo from noon to 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 13, at the Convocation Center.

More than 700 middle and high-school students from regional school districts are expected to attend the free expo to learn how the university's students are exploring new treatments for cancer and diabetes, uncovering new information about the anatomy of dinosaurs and shooting their own clay animation films and documentaries, according to a news release.

OU hosts the annual expo to demonstrate the results of its student research, scholarship and creative activity inside and outside of the classroom. About 600 undergraduates, graduate students, medical students and postdoctoral fellows will present 500 projects on topics ranging from wind power and sports tourism to how Muslim immigrant children fare in U.S. public schools.

The middle- and high-school students, who will be hosted by the Office of Admissions, Russ College of Engineering and Technology and the university's STEAM project, will get a chance to interact with OU students who are doing work that enhances their educational experience, increases opportunities for graduate school admission, fosters career paths and makes a positive impact on society.

"It's a wonderful opportunity for our students to communicate their research with the middle-school and high-school students,"� said expo organizer Roxanne Malé-Brune, director of grant development and projects for the OU Graduate College. "A large part of the learning experience for college students is to transition from their student status and to learn how to accept the responsibility as a role model for the next generation of scholars."�

Among the local school attendees, Athens Middle School will participate in the event with 400 students; Athens High School and Alexander High School will bring about 60 students total; Federal Hocking Middle School will attend with 75 students; Belpre Middle School will attend with 75 students; and the Office of Admissions will host about 100 students from various schools.

A free pizza lunch will be provided from noon until 1:30 p.m.

The OU student participants have the choice of having their work reviewed by a panel of judges who award up to $300 in prize money to the top projects in various categories organized by discipline or related subjects. Presentations will range from live performances, interactive demonstrations and exhibits to posters.

"The Student Research and Creative Activity Expo is an opportunity for Ohio University to recognize innovative student work. University and local community visitors to the event always are impressed with the breadth and number of projects, as well as the creativity and ingenuity of our students,"� Rathindra Bose, vice president for research and dean of the Graduate College, said in the release.

The expo is open to the university community and general public.

The Student Research and Creative Activity Expo is sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Research and the Dean of the Graduate College, Office of the President and Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost.