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KNOXVILLE – The leading undergraduate researchers of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, were recognized last week at the 14th annual Exhibition of Undergraduate Research and Creative Achievement (EURēCA) competition. More than 200 undergraduate researchers vied for the top spots in numerous concentrations ranging from engineering to music.

The Office of Research Top Undergraduate Research Award was given to College of Engineering students Charles Edmunds, Stephen Newlin and James White for their project “Dual Solar Roof.”

The William Franklin Harris III Undergraduate Research Award went to College of Arts and Sciences student Michael Jungwirth, a biological sciences major, for his project “Relative Tissue Expression of Homologous Torsins Can Explain the Neuronal Specific Importance of DYTI Dystonia-Associated TorsinA.”

The Top Three Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society Awards were awarded to College of Architecture and Design students Lauren Rogers, Steven Coley and Toby Thomas for their project “Team Tennessee Schematic Design Proposal for the 2011 Solar Decathlon”; College of Arts and Sciences student Oleg Ovchinnikov, a physical sciences major, for his project “Unlocking the Mysteries of the FORC”; and School of Music students Bonnie Farr and Rachel Grubb for their duet performance of “Concerto for Violin and Oboe by Bach.”

Awards also were given to numerous other projects in 12 different categories. On average, one award is given for every six entries per college. The standard award is $200 plus any division match or supplement. For a complete list of winners, visit http://research.utk.edu/eurca/winners_10.shtml.

Participants were judged by a combination of UT Knoxville faculty members and community professionals. Their research and creative activities were developed in collaboration with a UT Knoxville faculty mentor.

EURēCA was part of UT Knoxville’s first ever research week, which highlighted undergraduate researchers, scholars, artists and performers with a concert, an honors symposium, an art competition, a student paper competition and the launch of the university’s first undergraduate research journal, entitled Pursuit: The Journal of Undergraduate Research at the University of Tennessee.

C O N T A C T :

Whitney Holmes (865-974-5460, wholmes7@utk.edu)