Awards for undergraduate research projects

Thursday 16 October 2008

 Research during the summer break resulted in cash prizes for three talented University of St Andrews undergraduates.

The three were among a group of students who won internship awards allowing them to devote part of their holiday period to research. They included twenty interns funded under a new scheme launched by the University this year.

The thirty-seven successful interns were subsequently invited to submit posters explaining their research project at a reception hosted by the Deans of Arts and Science and the Vice Principal for Learning and Teaching in the University’s Lower College Hall.

The winner psychology student Tamlyn Watermeyer received a cash prize of £250 from Vice-Principal for Learning and Teaching Professor Philip Winn for a poster detailing her project on `The effect of diet and skin colour on the perceived health of infant faces.’

Two runners up who received £150 each, also presented by Professor Winn, were history of art student Kirstin Donaldson and psychology student Louise O’Hare.

Kirstin’s project looked at `The identification and conservation of the Penrose Photographic Collection’ and Louise’s dealt with `Differential use of binocular cues for motion in depth perception.

The posters on show came from a wide range of disciplines, from Divinity to Physics, spanning a great variety of fascinating topics, including investigations into autism, gender and academia, the Scottish Court of Chivalry, laser technology and strategies for discovering new planets.

“We were gratified by the number of students who showed an interest in summer research internships and delighted to see the level of support they were receiving from their Schools and supervisors.

“Choosing the 37 interns from the 96 who applied for an undergraduate internship was very difficult and we were extremely impressed by the high standard of all the applications.

“The quality of the posters on show tonight reflects the exceptionally high standard of work that was achieved,” said Professor Winn.

The winning projects were judged by the Pro Deans from the Faculties of Arts and Science.

All the projects were planned and researched by the students under the guidance of a member of academic staff. Professor Winn said these colleagues also deserved thanks for supporting the scheme.

At the reception the students were on hand to discuss their work as members of the Principal’s Office and the University Court viewed the poster exhibition with Deans and academics from their Schools.

The twenty new research internships for undergraduates are funded by the University of St Andrews Undergraduate Research Internship Programme, established this year to encourage students to develop their research skills and to consider research as a career.

Seventeen further students won awards from UK Research Councils and Charitable Trusts (The Nuffield Foundation, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, The Wellcome Trust and Carnegie Trust).

Ends

Issued by the Press Office, University of St Andrews
Contact Marion Gibson on 01334 462167
Ref:  URIP 161008
View the latest University press releases at www.st-andrews.ac.uk


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