Undergraduate Undergraduate Research Forum Abstracts @bullet 2011

S • 2011 Student Center Ballrooms April 11, 2011 Southern Illinois University Carbondale The Undergraduate Research Forum is part of REACH (Research-Enriched Academic Challenge), a campus-wide program for undergraduates coordinated by the Offi ce of Research Development and Administration at SIUC. For more information, visit www.reach.siuc.edu. "Engaging in research creates new and exciting learning opportunities beyond the classroom for our undergraduate students. Research is about finding answers, and as students are learning, they also are creating new knowledge. These enriched problem-solving experiences will better prepare them to compete in the global society. The enthusiasm and dedication of our students and their faculty mentors inspire the entire campus community." —Rita Cheng, Chancellor “One of the great benefits of attending a research University such as SIUC is that undergraduate students who become involved in research activities work in a professional environment that also involves graduate students and faculty, and gain problem-solving experience that is prized by employers. We are very pleased to offer our students enhanced opportunities of this type through the REACH program.” —John Koropchak, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Dean "I am very pleased to continue to be Involved with the REACH program and this year's Undergraduate Research Forum. As someone whose academic career began as an undergraduate researcher, I believe such opportunities represent singularly rewarding and motivating experiences for future success in academia and the world at large." —Prudence M. Rice, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Director, Office of Research Development and Administration Undergraduate Research Forum