Deb Richner
510 Paterno Library
University Park, PA 16802-1812
814-863-5446
1. Keegan McCoy (winner), "Characterizing Properties of Optical Fibers and Fiber Couplings"
2. Sarah Layton (finalist), "Understanding a Mother's Attempt to Reduce the Risk of HIV/AIDS Transmission in the Caprivi Region, Nambia"
3. Ce Zhang (finalist), "Promoting Clean Hands Among Uganda's Children: A School-Based Intervention Using Tippy-Taps"
4. Carly Diana Comer (finalist), "Age- and Sex-Specific Effects of Tetrahydrobiopterin Supplementation on Peripheral Artery Stiffness"
Student Application | Faculty Support Form | Application Criteria
The Penn State University Libraries are partnering with the Schreyer Honor's College to create an exciting opportunity for undergraduates: the Annual Competition for the Outstanding Undergraduate Thesis. This competition aims to find the best thesis submitted by an undergraduate, and the first place winner will receive an award of $1,000.
Goal
The University Libraries have initiated this award as a way to recognize the importance of developing quality research methods, and developing a thorough understanding of the legal and ethical issues related to the use of information—key components of academic excellence.
Through this award, the University Libraries seek to encourage excellence in the research process of locating, evaluating and utilizing appropriate information resources.
Award
The award is given to the student with the outstanding undergraduate thesis, as determined by a jury of librarians and other Penn State faculty. First place is awarded $1,000, second place is awarded $500 and third place is awarded $250.
Eligibility
Students from all Penn State programs graduating in the prior summer or fall semester, or spring semester of the current year, are eligible for Spring 2013 award.
How to Enter
Students must submit an online application and have a statement of support from a Penn State faculty member. Please consult with your thesis supervisor or adviser, if you would like to be considered for this award. Student applications must be completed online and must include a 250 word (maximum) thesis abstract and a 250 word (maximum) statement demonstrating your use of library and information resources related to your thesis. Your statement should describe your literature review process, what lessons were learned about information and the information gathering, as well as insights about the information sources used; observations about secondary and background research related to your thesis, and any legal or ethical issues related to the information gathering process.. Faculty member(s) must complete a statement of support and may only support one student.
Public Oral Defense
Three finalists will be required to present a 30-minute public oral defense of his or her thesis.
Deadlines
March 18, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.: Submission for thesis application, statements of support
April 8, 2013: Final Thesis Submission
April 19, 2013: A jury of librarians and other Penn State faculty will select and notify three finalists to present their public oral defense
May 2, 2013: Three finalists present their public oral defense of his/her thesis in the Foster Auditorium, 102 Paterno Library
For more information, please contact Deb Richner, 814-863-5446 or dg4r@psu.edu
Students - submit an application. Faculty member(s) - submit a statement of support.
