BigSURS 2012 Program and Highlights

The BigSURS proceedings begin in the early afternoon on Friday, April 13, 2012 and conclude on Saturday, April 14, by mid-afternoon.

Conference Schedule of Events

Keynote Speaker

The keynote address will be given by Dr. Tiffany Barnes, an Associate Professor of Computer Science at UNC Charlotte, who specializes in educational data mining and using computer games to improve learning. Dr. Barnes is a Co-Principal Investigator and Evaluation Coordinator of the NSF-funded STARS Alliance that broadens participation in computing by engaging college students in outreach, research, and service. She is the Principal Investigator of the NSF-funded Culturally Situated Design Tools project that engages students in researching, developing, and disseminating cultural tools that teach computing. Dr. Barnes is also a UNCC REU Site Co-Principal Investigator and has supervised 50 undergraduate research projects, and 20 of these students have gone on to graduate school.

Juried Exhibition

This exhibition highlights the research and investigation as it relates to the visual arts. Entries were original works in any art or design media completed in the past 18 months. Twenty three works were selected for the exhibit by a distinguished juror, Dr. Virginia Derryberry. During the reception on Friday evening the Big South Conference will present the Best in Show and three Juror’s Choice Awards.

Conference Proceedings

One benefit of presenting at BigSURS is the opportunity for students to publish their work in the Conference Proceedings, edited and produced by The University of North Carolina at Asheville. All student presenters at the conference (including students in the performing/visual arts) are invited to submit manuscripts for review by the Proceedings Board.  Download Conference Proceedings Information - PDF 129kb

Graduate Fair

The graduate school fair provides an opportunity for symposium attendees to meet representatives from graduate school programs in and around the Big South Conference. The fair will be held during the Friday poster session, providing a convenient way for students and faculty to gather information about graduate programs. Stop by a school's table to learn what degree programs they offer and ask any questions you have.

Snag’em

This is a web-based networking game for those attending the BigSURS conference. The creators describe it as a scavenger hunt. The only difference is that, instead of searching for objects, you're searching for people! When you play this game you will receive points for networking with other conference attendees, attending certain conference events, and accomplishing certain tasks. Prizes will be awarded for different categories of accomplishment in Snag’em.

Student Organizations Receptions (for students)

Winthrop student organizations will hold receptions to foster interactions among students in the Big South Athletic Conference and other schools attending the BigSURS. The receptions will occur on Friday evening at 8:00pm.

Faculty Mentor Summit (for faculty members)

Four national leaders in undergraduate research will comprise a panel to discuss successful approaches to promoting undergraduate research across the campus. In addition to the Keynote speaker, Dr. Tiffany Barnes, the panel will consist of Dr. Virginia Derryberry of UNC-Asheville, Dr. Merle Schuh of Davidson College, and Dr. Mary Crowe of UNC-Greensboro (president elect of CUR). The summit will occur on Friday evening at 8:00pm