Student Showcase begins today, features student's projects

More than 100 students will compete this weekend in the UA's ninth annual Student Showcase on the Mall.

The Student Showcase gives all students at the University of Arizona the opportunity to present their projects, performances or research to thousands of alumni, faculty, staff and students.

Awards are given out for first and second place in 11 categories, ranging from visual and performing arts to business. Separate awards are given to both undergraduate and graduate participants.

The Graduate and Professional Student Council is sponsoring the Showcase today and tomorrow in front of the Arizona State Museum.

About 120 students will display nearly 80 exhibits.

Amy Margaris, an anthropology graduate student, will present her exhibit, "An analysis of sediments from Israel's Tabun Cave using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy."

"Basically, I am looking at sediments from an archaeological cave site using advanced technological means," Margaris said.

She said she hopes her exhibit will help people understand why bone-dating methods are not always effective.

"Archaeology is becoming more scientific," she said. "I hope this exhibit increases the dialogue between archaeology and the physical sciences."

Margaris hopes her exhibit will be well received.

"I'm a little nervous that people will be intimidated by my title," she said. "I hope people will stop by and talk to me, because I have a lot of information I'd like to discuss with them.

"I've been to one (showcase) before - they are really exciting due to the variety in the exhibits. I'm really looking forward to checking out the other exhibits."

GPSC created the Student Showcase in 1992 and implemented the program in 1993.

Three awards will also be presented to projects that display exceptional merit.

The President's Award will be presented by UA President Peter Likins. The Community Award will be given to the student whose project is expected to have the highest impact on the community and the Director's Award will be given by the six directors of the GPSC.

The exhibits are judged by a panel consisting of a community member, a faculty member and a student. The judges view each exhibit and rate it according to overall display, clarity of presentation and the exhibitor's ability to field questions concerning their exhibit.

Nearly all funding for the event comes from departments, colleges and offices on the UA campus. Outside donors may give monetary donations to fund awards and are given special recognition during the showcase if they choose to do so.

Because of the uncertainty with the availability of funds, the GPSC cannot predict the amount of money available from year to year. At last year's showcase, the GPSC allocated $35,467.74 in order to fund the event. The GPSC has cut costs this year in order to reduce the funds necessary to continue the event.

The GPSC Student Showcase will take place in front of the Arizona State Museum today and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Awards will be presented at noon tomorrow, and keynote speaker Arizona Sen. Ruth Solomon, a Democrat, will be on hand to deliver a speech to exhibitors.