Undergraduate researchers present summer projects at annual Barber Fair

This past summer, 20 undergraduate students were given the unique opportunity to study alongside seasoned researchers from across Wayne State University.

The cohort showed off their hard work at the annual Richard Barber Interdisciplinary Research Fair on Friday, Sept. 9. Research topics ranged from particle physics to mindfulness and meditation.

The event was the culmination of the Richard Barber Interdisciplinary Research Program which gives students experience researching a topic of their choice alongside collaborating Wayne State faculty. The project allows students to gain experience working in a lab and with other professionals across the university.

The program was made possible with the support of WSU alumnus Richard Barber, CLAS '53, Law '55, and Chris Kelly, associate physics professor and the program's director.

While it is primarily a summer project, some of the students will go on to present their findings at other academic conferences throughout the year. Every student selected a topic of research they felt passionate about and dived in to gain as many findings as possible.

"We are proud of seeding these research projects, fostering hands-on undergraduate research training, and supporting their quest for external research support," said Kelly. "We will continue to provide ongoing support for travel, publication, undergraduate research expenses and grant/fellowship submission incentives."

Barber has generously funded this summer research program since 2010. The program fosters collaboration between faculty and students from the College of Engineering, the School of Medicine, the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The program helps students develop scientific approaches to problem-solving and fosters their high-tech career goals.

Learn more about the Richard Barber Interdisciplinary Research Program.