UWT to host annual SAMURS event

June 8, the environmental sciences, biomedical sciences, environmental sustainability and mathematics majors at UW Tacoma will be hosting their 15th annual Sciences and Mathematics Undergraduate Research Symposium from 2 to 5 p.m. on the first floor of the Tacoma Paper and Stationary building.

The SAMURS undergraduate research symposium, formerly UWaTERS— University of Washington Tacoma Environmental Sciences Research Symposium — showcases capstone projects from students enrolled in TESC 410 — environmental science senior seminar — and graduating students in Sciences and Mathematics programs. Students presenting have worked on their projects throughout the year, and have conducted original research with a faculty member or participated in internships. The event will feature posters that the students have made surrounding themes related to the environment.

The event will begin with a round of poster presentations followed by an opening remark from UW Tacoma’s Division Chair of Sciences and Mathematics, Joyce Dinglasan-Panlilio. Four research talks and a math awards portion will be included. The last research talk will be followed by the science awards and the night will conclude with closing remarks.

The SAMURS event is free and open to students, faculty, and the public. Snacks will also be provided. Names of the awardees will be posted after the event on the School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences website.

Michelle Miller, the divisional manager for Sciences and Mathematics, explained the event’s change in name.

“We decided this year to change the name of the event from UWaTERS to SAMURS (Sciences and Mathematics Undergraduate Research Symposium), because we wanted to represent not only our environmental science students, but also our environmental sustainability, biomedical sciences and mathematics students,” Miller said.

SAMURS was first held in spring 2003, originally organized by associate professor Dr. James Gawel as part of the TESC 410 class.

The event was formerly held in the Carwein Auditorium until the space became too small to house the increasing number of posters and presenters.

“The event is a great opportunity for our students to showcase the capstone research to their fellow students, faculty, and our community,” Miller said. “Students are encouraged to invite their friends and family to this event and we always welcome interested parties within our community to come and discover the amazing work of our students and dedicated faculty mentors.”

For more information, visit:

tacoma.uw.edu/sias/sam/uwaters