UROP Proceedings 2010-11

UROP Overview 2010-11Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program(UROP) is a Program that provides a unique opportunityfor undergraduates to engage in academic research and helpthem develop a broad and insightful perspective of their areas ofinterest. It was first launched in 2005 and was offered in summer forstudents to immerse themselves in various tailor-made research projects.Over the years, UROP has been well received by both students and faculty, andenrolment has increased year after year.Starting from the 2010-11 academic year, a new initiative was introduced in UROP,and students now have the option to participate in one or both streams – the TastingStream, with a 0-credit course offered in summer session (UROP1000), is suitable forthose who have never participated in UROP before and would like to have a taste ofresearch experience; the Series Stream, consists of three courses (UROP1100/1200/1300)with 1-credit each, is designed for students who are seriously committed to research aftertheir initial experience in the Tasting Stream. In the 2010-11 academic year, there was a totalenrollment of 295 in UROP, with 141 participated in the Tasting Stream and 154 in the SeriesStream. The Program was supported by 100 faculty advisors offering 174 projects.2011 Mr Armin and Mrs Lillian Kitchell Undergraduate Research AwardWith the generous support from a donor, the Mr Armin and Mrs Lillian KitchellUndergraduate Research Award was established in 2009 to honor the outstandingperformance of UROP students and to encourage more student participation. Candidatesfor the Award were nominated by their UROP advisors, and finalists were invited topresent their research to the UROP Advisory Board. Five award recipients wereselected (1 Winner, 2 First Runner-Ups and 2 Second Runner-Ups) and theyreceived the Award at the Presentation Ceremony held at HKUST on 5 May 2011.iii