Record number of engineering students presented projects at spring 2023 SUNY Undergraduate Research Conference

A record number of engineering students presented original research during the ninth annual SUNY Undergraduate Research Conference (SURC) at SUNY Maritime in the Bronx, New York.

These groups networked and presented in front of attendees and participants from 25 regional colleges, including 14 SUNY schools, and engineering professionals. This was the first time an all-engineering group of students appeared at this conference. 

“It was gratifying to me to see the students outside of our academic environment of a lecture or lab and be able to interact with a broader community of professionals,” said Visiting Assistant Lecturer Graham Werner, who accompanied the students to SUNY Maritime.  

Twenty students delivered 20-minute podium presentations and poster presentations sessions detailing the results of their collaborations with faculty.  

The projects covered a diverse range of topics, including the manufacturing of scale wind-turbine blades, characterization of compliant materials, and modelling/experimentation of 3D-printed metal heat sinks. 

The conference gave students an opportunity to not just show off their engineering prowess, but to hone in on the all-important skill of public speaking.  

“It can be nerve–wracking to give a presentation in front of an audience, but they were able to present themselves confidently and explain their projects in ways people could understand,” said Werner. “With most of the students being seniors, it showed me that these students are prepared for the workforce.” 

Visit the Division of Engineering Programs site to learn more about mechanical, computer and electrical engineering at SUNY New Paltz.