The finest examples of undergraduate student research from across the University System of Maryland (USM) will be on display at the USM's Undergraduate Student Research Days. This event, now in its second year, will be held from March 1-3 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. each day in the Exhibit Hall of the Lowe House Office Building in Annapolis.

Fifty-five projects will be showcased during the event with a different group of projects on display each day. These projects, which cover a wide range of disciplines, reflect the efforts of more than 90 students from the system's 11 degree-granting institutions. The USM Council of University System Faculty (CUSF) and the Chancellor's Office are sponsoring this event.

Much of the research focuses on Maryland; the projects on display include an examination of the Carroll Area Transit System, an analysis of methods used to restore vegetation in the Chesapeake Bay and a study of a clinic providing dental care to underserved Baltimore City residents. Students will be on hand to discuss their research with visitors.

"Our students are very impressive and excited about their research," says Martha Siegel, who founded the event last year while serving as chairperson of CUSF. "Through this event, we show Maryland's political leaders the tangible results of continuing support for higher education."

Siegel, a professor of mathematics at Towson University, modeled Undergraduate Student Research Days after a similar event sponsored by the National Science Foundation for members of Congress.