UQ students shine in Singapore

Undergraduate students recently had the opportunity to represent The University of Queensland in front of an international academic audience.

The annual Universitas 21 Undergraduate Research Conference was earlier this month held at the National University of Singapore, with UQ’s representatives comprising the largest contingent from any visiting university.

This year, for the first time, the conference was themed and students were asked to give presentations broadly related to the topic of sustainability.

Representing the breadth of study options offered at UQ were Rachel Grace from the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences; Tom Gole from the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law; Chris Fyfe from the Engineering, Physical Sciences and Architecture Faculty; and Elanor Wainwright from the Faculty of Biological and Chemical Sciences.

Associate Professor Lesley Lluka, Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning) in the Biological and Chemical Sciences Faculty, was one of six academic staff members at the conference.

“Our students acquitted themselves very well,” Dr Lluka said.

“They were all extremely appreciative of the opportunity to represent UQ at the unique conference and to build networks and forge friendships with motivated undergraduate students across the globe.

“However, the highlight for two of our representatives came at the close of proceedings when Rachel received the award for most eloquent presentation and Chris was named the best overall presenter – the only two prizes for oral presentations.

“In line with the theme, conference delegates toured the NEWater recycling plant in Singapore.

“This was a thrill for Rachel who presented her results on the role of the ‘yuk factor’ in deciding whether to drink recycled water.

“Her project included volunteers taking a taste test of NEW recycled water from the Singapore plant.”

Universitas 21 is a global alliance of research-intensive universities, of which UQ is a member.

The Undergraduate Research Conference has been an annual event since 2005, and each year is held at a different U21 institution.

This year a total of 53 delegates representing 14 Universitas 21 universities attended.

In 2006 the event was hosted by UQ and saw 33 students visit the St Lucia Campus and Moreton Bay Research Station.

MEDIA: Dr Lluka (3365 3353, bacs.dos@uq.edu.au) or Penny Robinson at UQ Communciations (3365 9723, penny.robinson@uq.edu.au)