Congratulations to all student presenters at the 23rd Annual Undergraduate Research and Fine Arts (URFA) Conference! This year's event was a success, with over 60 student presenters supported by over 50 faculty mentors at Augusta University. A special congratulations to the following students who won outstanding presentations the following sessions:
The Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship is excited to host the 23rd Annual Undergraduate Research and Fine Arts (URFA) Conference on Wednesday, March 29, 2023.
URFA, formally known has the Phi Kappa Phi Student Research and Fine Arts Conference, is an opportunity for all undergraduate students of Augusta University to showcase their scholarly and artistic endeavors.
The conference is jointly sponsored by CURS, Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society, and the Interdisciplinary Research Office.
Congratulations to all the student presenters! Presenters have received their notification by email with their assigned session(s) and instructions for preparing for the conference. The order of oral presentations will be given to presenters at the conference.
Program Presenter Info & Schedule of Presenters URFA FAQs
| TIME | Butler Rm 227 | Coffeehouse Rm 235 | Ballroom Rm 155 | Hardy Rm 232 | Markert Rm 142 |
| 11:00 - 12:00 | Poster Set up | Hospitality Room (Refreshments for presenters) | Conference Check-In | ||
| 12:00 - 12:50 | Welcome & Keynote | ||||
| 1:00 - 2:30 | Art & Design A | Interdisciplinary Sciences A | Poster Session | ||
| 2:30 - 2:45 | break | break | break | ||
| 2:45 - 3:45 | Art & Design B | Interdisciplinary Sciences B | Social Sciences | ||
| 4:00 - 5:00 | 4x4 SHOWDOWN | ||||
| 5:00 - 6:00 | Awards & Closing |
This year's keynote speaker, Warren "Bill" Karp, MD and Professor Emeritus of MCG
and Jazz Musician is the 2023 URFA Keynote speaker. Dr. Karp holds a PhD in Physiological
Chemistry and held appointments in Augusta University's departments of Pediatrics,
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Oral Biology and Maxillofacial Pathology, Oral
Diagnosis and Patient Services and the Graduate School. He is author of several hundred
book chapters and peer reviewed articles in journals such as the American Journal
of Medical Science, Journal of Pediatrics, Environmental Research, Biology of the
Neonate and Clinical Dentistry. Dr. Karp is additionally a well known and beloved
Jazz Musician in Augusta, who is passionate about the integration and importance of
both the arts and sciences.
CURS has created sample conference assignments for faculty to embed into their courses and encourage students to attend the conference. To have your students swipe in to show attendance, please contact CURS.
The conference will take place at the Jaguar Student Activities Center (JSAC) on the Summerville Campus of Augusta University. Please visit the Campus Maps for more information. Parking is available in lots 104, 105, 106 to the east of the JSAC building.
The program is available here.
What is an Oral Presentation Session like?
Typically there will be 3-5 presentations scheduled in each oral session. Oral presentations are 12 minutes with 3 minutes for questions. There will be a moderator at each session who will introduce the speakers and make sure the session runs on time. Presenters must arrive to your assigned session at least 10 minutes before the start in order to meet with the session moderator and load your presentation onto the desktop computer. All Audio/Visual material will be provided for you: Windows-based computer, slide advancer/laser pointer, etc. Judges will be present and judging rubrics will be available to presenters ahead of time.
What are Poster Sessions like?
Poster sessions are often 50 to 75 minutes in duration. Presenters must arrive to the assigned session at least 10 minutes before the start in order to hang the poster (pushpins will be provided) and get ready to speak with visitors for the duration of the session. A moderator will be available for questions and assistance. Judges will be present and judging rubrics will be available to presenters ahead of time.
If I am accepted to present, what should I know?
All accepted students will receive a letter of acceptance by email. This letter will explain all requirements for presenters and will include a schedule of presentations. Plan ahead to be present for the entire duration of the symposia session time you are scheduled for.
Can undergraduate students who are not enrolled at AU present?
At this time, presenters are limited to Augusta University undergraduates. Other students, family members and community members are welcome to attend the event.
Can graduate students of AU participate?
Students who graduated from AU with a Bachelor’s degree in the recent fall term (the most recent December commencement) are welcome to present if their mentor has approved the abstract. Questions should be submitted to CURS @augusta.edu.
Are there prizes for participation?
Yes! Each session will have a certificate awarded to the top presentation author(s). Additionally, there will be cash prizes for the Best Poster, Oral, and 4x4 Showdown Presentations.
What is the 4x4 showdown?
The SHOWDOWN challenges students to effectively explain their research (to an interdisciplinary audience) within 4 minutes utilizing 4 slides. Students should use no more than 20 printed words on the 4 slides. Moderators will time the presentations, and the 4-minute limit will be enforced.
If I am accepted to present, what should I know?
All accepted students will receive a letter of acceptance by email. This letter will explain all requirements for presenters and will include a schedule of presentations. Plan ahead to be present for the entire duration of the symposia session time you are scheduled for.
How will my presentation be judged?
Judges will listen to you present your work and the rubric used by the judges is attached for your reference. You should prepare your presentation so that it clearly conveys your research to people outside of your discipline. Remember to reduce and/ or introduce jargon, keep text to a minimum, use visuals to represent the story of your work, and emphasize the application and meaning of your work.
Will CURS print my poster for the conference?
No. Each presenter is responsible for printing their own poster prior to the conference.
Have a burning question?
Contact us! CURS@augusta.edu
