Forum aims to boost research

It was standing room only last night at Logan Hall, as students and faculty packed in to attend the second research workshop held by the University's Undergraduate Research Resource Center. The URRC, started by former College Dean Robert Rescorla, was formed within the College of Arts and Sciences in order to encourage and help promote student involvement in undergraduate research. Hoping to place students in summer and academic year research positions, the Center has since expanded into all four of the University's undergraduate schools and now employs numerous graduate students who assist the undergrads in locating research opportunities. Larry Friedman, associate director of the College, collaborated with College senior Camille Henry and Wharton sophomore Shannon Hennessy, as well as students on the Dean's Advisory Board in an effort to organize this workshop. In order to represent students in all undergraduate programs, the workshop was structured around a panel of five students who hailed from the Wharton School, the School of Engineering and Applied Science and the Nursing School, as well as two students from the College. The panelists spoke about their own experience with research at Penn, including students who conducted neurosurgery research at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and one Wharton student who became involved in commercial retail banking. Literature was also made available for those looking for specific tips for finding a research position at Penn. Henry told the audience about PennExpertise -- a database that can be used to locate faculty and their academic interests -- as well as numerous Web sites listing research directories throughout the University. Wharton and Engineering sophomore Dustin De Meo, who attended the event said,"It gives students the opportunity to gain first-hand research knowledge as well as add to their academic experience."