Undergraduate Research Day, Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Abstract Submission Instructions

We hope that you will participate in the Seventh Annual Undergraduate Research Day to be held April 28, 2010, in the University Union. 

In order to make a Poster, Podium, or Performance presentation, e-mail your project abstract to honors@wiu.edu between March 23rd and April 17th.  (All abstracts will be posted on the Honors College website after this date.)  Using the model below, state the title of your project and type of presentation on the first lines, followed by the name(s) and campus e-mail address(es) the presenter(s), academic department, and the name and e-mail address of  your faculty mentor.  The abstract (200-250 words maximum) should contain the following elements:  the purpose and significance of the research, scholarship, or creative activity; the steps taken to complete the project or activity; and the major findings and conclusions.  Although discipline-specific terminology is invited, the abstract should be written to be understood by members from a wide range of fields.

By submitting abstracts, all presenters acknowledge that they have read and accepted the Guidelines for Participation and that research meets protocols for human, animal, and radiological research.  All presenters also permit the release of photographs taken of them and their work on the day of presentation.   If you would like to submit a digital photo of yourself conducting research (perhaps along with your faculty mentor) for the Undergraduate Research Day slide show, please e-mail it to Professor Winthrop Phippen at WB-Phippen@wiu.edu.

If you have questions, please contact William Knox, Director, Centennial Honors College, at 298.2228.

 

Sample Abstract for Poster Presentation with Laptop

Determining the Optimum Site for a 500KW Wind Generator on a 400-acre Farm in West Central Illinois
Poster Presentation with Laptop

Wendy Ere WD-Ere@wiu.edu  (Principal Author)
Nate Powers NP-Powers@wiu.edu 
Department of Power Studies
Professor Lang Pfanblad LT-Pfanblad@wiu.edu 

Although moderate to strong winds cross the entire farm owned by the family of the principal investigator, the permanent installation of a wind generator demands optimum location for low cost installation and highest long-term efficiency.  Not only yearly wind speed and duration, but also proximity to the utility building, safety, and landscape aesthetics were considered.  A recent photo map of the farm was obtained and wind speed, direction, and duration were determined at twelve (12) selected locations over a calendar year using instruments mounted at the top of a portable 15-meter tower.  A transmitter sent speed and time readings to a laptop computer programmed to record data by date and location for analysis.  The best wind site (average 25 km/h from the west) on a low rise 125 meters from the utility building (which would be used for the power distribution panel) was also found to cause the least disruption of farm activity.  Should a blade separate during operation, it would fly at a 90-degree angle from the farm house, barn, silo, and utility building.  Furthermore, the site interfered least with the more attractive views of the farm.  The data collected indicated that not only optimum wind speed, but that the site of the proposed wind tower is practical, safe, and aesthetic.  (212 words)