Students showcased the culmination of their research at the 23rd annual Honors Research Exposition.

On Tuesday, 30 students presented research on topics ranging from music to international studies to engineering.

These students were able to conduct their research through the Honors Undergraduate Research Grant fund.

“”(This is) one of the best things I’ve done in college,”” said Belinda Richardson an international studies senior. “”You learn so much about yourself doing research.””

The dean of the Honors College praises the program for its many students.

“”I think it’s fabulous that students are able to contribute so centrally to the mission of the university because we are a place that is about discovery. There are many universities where only the very fewest people at the top are able to be a part of that,”” said Dr. Patricia MacCorquodale, dean of the Honors College.

The grants are competitive, and several projects have resulted in students getting published, job offers and fellowships to graduate school, MacCorquodale said.

Jessie Brown, a biochemistry and molecular biophysics junior, said she had presented her research before, but the expo allowed her to experience talking to people who did not have a background in science.

“”The grant money allowed me to get out there without financial constraint, and it was a really great experience to go see these things,”” said Austin Smith a history senior. “”I’d only read about them before.””

The Honors Undergraduate Research Grant fund distributes $40,000 every year to students for their research. Students do not have to be in the Honors College to be eligible. Applications are being accepted now. All applications must be in by March 3 at 4 p.m.

A committee of faculty and students review the proposals and decide how to distribute the grant money. The bulk of the research is conducted in the summer, and students are expected to finish their work by the following fall semester.