Washington State University undergraduates can submit abstracts from Dec. 4 through Feb. 20 to present their mentored research, scholarship, and creative activity on March 25 at the 2024 Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (SURCA).
“SURCA 2024 is a public event where students from every major, campus, and year in college have the opportunity to share original intellectual or creative contributions to their field,” said Jeremy Lessmann, director of the Office of Undergraduate Research, which oversees SURCA and is part of the Division of Academic Engagement and Student Achievement in the provost’s office.
A WSU tradition since 2012, SURCA is again expected to feature the work of about 200 undergraduates who will present posters and presentations in nine categories which will be visited by judges and the public. The categories cover all disciplines, including the sciences and humanities. Presenters will explain their work to those knowledgeable on the subject as well as those who are just learning about it.
Top presenters in each category are eligible for awards. They cover a range of research experience from novice and early career to highly experienced.
The SURCA website features event details and includes the rubric used to evaluate each presentation, abstracts of projects, and information on how to prepare posters and deliver effective presentations.
It is customary for at least three judges to evaluate with each presenter. SURCA always needs plenty of faculty members, post-doctoral researchers, and experts from the community, said Lessmann. This year, post-candidacy doctoral students are also invited to serve as judges. Judges can sign up online.
“We need about 200 judges to meet the demand, and we really appreciate everyone who volunteers to judge for a few hours on the afternoon of SURCA,” he said. SURCA is part of WSU Showcase, and this year, it kicks off the week-long set of activities. Showcase includes such events as Academic Showcase, a poster session focused on research by faculty, staff, and graduate students; the State of the University Address; and the Celebrating Excellence Banquet.
