Undergraduate research is a large part of the Dartmouth experience. Students and faculty enthusiastically participate in this interactive enterprise. In its 2011 rankings, U.S. News and World Report included Dartmouth in its list of “institutions with stellar examples of undergraduate research/creative projects.”

“One of the things Dartmouth does best is providing students opportunities to collaborate with faculty to create new knowledge both in and out of the classroom. Years after graduating, this is what students remember about their time at the College,” remarks Michael Mastanduno, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

Each day this week, Dartmouth Now will profile undergraduate students who have taken advantage of these opportunities:

Monday: Dartmouth Celebrates Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creativity

Tuesday: Philip Winsor ’12 Applies Mathematical Tools to Wall Street

Wednesday: Sarah Tanaka ’12 Pursues Alzheimer’s Through Psychology and Neuroscience

Thursday: Jenny Thapa ’12 Looks at Forestry and Socioeconomics in Nepal

Friday: Samantha Knowles ’12 Tells Stories in Documentary Films

Although Dartmouth has exceptional numbers of students completing independent scholarship across the disciplines, celebrations have typically been coordinated at the departmental or program level. This spring, says Mastanduno, “we are holding a series of events where students share their work and experiences with the Dartmouth community.“ With the sponsorship of the President’s Office, the Provost, and the Dean of Faculty, the celebration will highlight the work of undergraduates campus-wide. In addition to departmental events, ”Celebrating Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creativity” includes four events that highlight research across campus.

Academic Honors Dinner (by invitation)

• Tuesday, May 22, Leede Arena, 6 p.m.
• Honoring members of the senior class who have completed an honors thesis, Senior Fellows, and newly-elected members of Phi Beta Kappa, together with their faculty advisors.

President’s Undergraduate Research Symposium

• Wednesday, May 23, Alumni Hall, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
• Presentations and posters highlighting honors theses from across the College.

Karen E. Wetterhahn Science Symposium

• Thursday, May 24, Oopik Auditorium, Class of 1978 Life Sciences Center, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Keynote address by Professor Mary Lou Guerinot on “Metals, Mutants, and Mayhem” at 4 p.m., followed by an undergraduate poster session.

Arts at Dartmouth Awards Ceremony

• Tuesday, May 29, Moore Theater, Hopkins Center, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. with reception to follow.
• The annual Arts at Dartmouth Award Ceremony has been celebrating the achievements of student artists for more than 36 years.

“The opportunity to engage deeply with a topic of interest and to conduct original research while further cementing close relationships with faculty is one of the hallmarks of the Dartmouth education, says President Jim Yong Kim. “I am delighted that we will celebrate the achievements of our students this spring with a series of events that highlight these transformative experiences.”

As a series, ”Celebrating Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creativity” looks to increase awareness of the breadth of undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative work undertaken each year; to celebrate independent work undertaken by students in collaboration with faculty; and to encourage underclassmen and prospective students to pursue research and scholarship opportunities.