Students hoping to become scientists cannot understand the culture of research just by sitting in a classroom. To learn the methods and collaborations of scientific research, students need to be in the laboratory, actively investigating research problems, says Ohio State University Professor of Chemistry Gideon Fraenkel. Fraenkel directs the chemistry department's summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program, one of several such programs nationally receiving funding from the National Science Foundation.

Forty undergraduate students from Ohio State and other universities have spent the last 12 weeks working with Ohio State's chemistry faculty doing research and learning to question, create and collaborate. They participated in seminar programs and heard visitors from industry discuss current research areas and career opportunities.

Now students have summarized their work in a special poster session on display in the lobby of McPherson Chemical Laboratory during the lunch hour on Friday (8/25). Fraenkel will be available to discuss the importance of undergraduate research opportunities that encourage students and give them an idea what it is like to work in science.

WHAT: Undergraduate research poster session

WHEN: Friday (8/25), 11: 30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

WHERE: Lobby of McPherson Chemical Laboratory, 140 West 18th Ave.

WHY: Undergraduate research students are wrapping up a 12-week summer research experience at Ohio State. Their posters illustrate the research problems they have tried to solve.