A Letter from the Chancellor
May 14, 2011
Dear Colleagues and Guests,
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Welcome to the 18th annual University of California, Irvine
Undergraduate Research Symposium, a day of honoring the passion and dedication shown by students conducting faculty-mentored research
and creative projects. Today’s theme, “Undergraduate Research: Sustained Collaboration,” reminds us of the rewards of ongoing research
and creative collaboration. The more than 800 undergraduate researchers presenting at today’s event are a powerful
illustration of UC
Irvine’s dedication to fostering collaboration between its students and faculty.
I invite you to immerse yourselves in an exciting celebration of research and creative collaboration as the students share the results of
their efforts with us. These students have devoted significant time and hard work to learning
beyond what they encounter in the classroom,
turning their interests into passions for more focused areas of study. By overcoming setbacks and achieving successes, they have begun to
realize the rewards that innovation, diligence and collaboration can offer. Today’s symposium demonstrates the excellence that can be achieved
by combining com-mitted students, renowned faculty and world-class research facilities. I commend the students for their work, and offer my
heartfelt thanks to their faculty mentors, who have taught, challenged and inspired these students to pose new questions, seek new answers
and overcome repeated challenges. Their collaboration in their students’ projects is an important part of sustaining the highest ideals
for future researchers, scholars and artists.
My appreciation also goes to the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program team for organizing this
symposium, and for its continuing
efforts to foster undergraduate research at UC Irvine. This year marks the publication of Volume XIII of The UCI Undergraduate Research Journal,
a sampling of the most outstanding undergraduate research projects presented at last year’s symposium. UC Irvine’s commitment to undergraduate research
is a national model for how a research university can effectively enhance its undergraduates’ educational experience.
To further celebrate this spirit of collaboration through research, it is my distinct pleasure to sponsor the
Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in
Undergraduate Research. This award—a 15-year tradition—recognizes the dedication and contributions of one student and faculty member from each school.
Along with the entire UC Irvine community, I offer my congratulations to this year’s talented recipients. Congratulations also to all the dedicated
students and faculty mentors who are participating in the 2011 UC Irvine Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Thank you for participating in this celebration of research accomplishment and discovery.
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