It's good experience for the students, also. In some cases they haven't digested their data, and they have to analyze it to present it to their peers. For those who do well, it's a pat on the back, and I think the cash awards and the plaques are great. The competition is intense. Projects ultimately are submitted for judging by a panel of faculty and external advisers, business leaders and scientists.
Judges critique the quality of the research as well as the visual presentation in poster format.
The faculty there are discovering that this a good experience for the student and another tool they can use to evaluate how much the student is learning. This year the program has expanded to include some undergraduates. Ten students from Calhoun Honors College , the Honors Program of Clemson University, are participating with the graduate students in displaying their research projects. At the awards ceremony, students who have earned awards as outstanding graduate teaching assistants are also recognized. All rights reserved.