Argonne National Laboratory hosts symposium for undergraduates

ARGONNE, Ill. (Oct. 26, 2005) — On Friday and Saturday, Nov. 4-5, more than 300 undergraduate students from colleges and universities throughout the Midwest will converge at the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory for the 16th Annual Argonne Symposium for Undergraduates in Science, Engineering and Mathematics.

Young scientists and engineers make their marks in the academic world through presentation of research papers and publications. The Argonne-sponsored symposium offers students an opportunity, not generally available, to present the results of their research to the scientific community, including university faculty members and Argonne scientists, who may potentially supervise the students' future graduate studies. The symposium is one of Argonne's contributions to the overall Department of Energy goal of encouraging science careers for students.

Students will give 15-minute presentations on a variety of research topics including analytical chemistry, biochemistry, computer science, engineering, materials science, physics, structural biology and many others. Among those listening to the presentations will be Argonne scientists, graduate students and university faculty.

“Participating students get valuable experience in making scientific presentations, plus an opportunity to network with students and faculty from other universities as well as Argonne staff,” said Harold Myron, director of Argonne's Division of Educational Programs. Participation in this program recognizes their efforts and active involvement in scientific research.

More information, including abstract titles and presentation schedules, can be found online at www.dep.anl.gov/p_undergrad/ugsymp/. Tours of Argonne research facilities also are included in the program.

The symposium is sponsored by Argonne National Laboratory, the National Science Foundation-funded Illinois Alliance for Minority Participation, Argonne Women in Science and Technology, the Argonne chapter of Sigma Xi and the Central States Universities, Inc.

Argonne National Laboratory brings the world's brightest scientists and engineers together to find exciting and creative new solutions to pressing national problems in science and technology. The nation's first national laboratory, Argonne conducts leading-edge basic and applied scientific research in virtually every scientific discipline. Argonne researchers work closely with researchers from hundreds of companies, universities, and federal, state and municipal agencies to help them solve their specific problems, advance America 's scientific leadership and prepare the nation for a better future. With employees from more than 60 nations, Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science.

For more information, please contact Steve McGregor (630/252-5580 or media@anl.gov) at Argonne.