Van Andel Institute hosts regional undergraduate science conference for more than 350 students and faculty

Grand Rapids, Mich. (Oct. 29, 2013) – Van Andel Institute (VAI) hosts the seventh annual West Michigan Regional Undergraduate Science Conference on Saturday, November 16. The day-long event draws more than 350 students and faculty and is underwritten by Aquinas College, Calvin College, Grand Valley State University, Hope College and Van Andel Institute Graduate School.

The West Michigan Regional Undergraduate Science Conference provides students with an opportunity to present their work in a professional setting and hear stimulating talks on current trends in biology, chemistry, physics and more. Students also interact with graduate school recruiters from Midwest research universities.

“The science conference is a wonderful collaboration from area institutions,” said Dr. Steven Triezenberg, Director of Van Andel Education Institute. “It provides students with a valuable professional experience at no cost.”

The conference consists of poster presentations by students, faculty talks and lunch. The 2013 keynote address is presented by Scott Barolo, Ph.D., from the University of Michigan Medical School.

Additional faculty talks feature Virginia McDonough, Ph.D., Hope College; Douglas A. Vander Griend, Ph.D., Calvin College; Richard Vallery, Ph.D., Grand Valley State University; and Jeremy Van Raamsdonk, Ph.D., Van Andel Research Institute.

“The day provides a wonderful opportunity for students to present their research projects and dialogue with scientific researchers,” said Triezenberg. In addition, Van Andel Research Institute staff attend the event to meet students and learn about their work.

The event is free to students and faculty but advanced registration is required by November 11 at www.vai.org. Students and faculty from area colleges and universities are invited to attend.

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About Van Andel Institute

Established by Jay and Betty Van Andel in 1996, Van Andel Institute (VAI) is an independent research and educational organization based in Grand Rapids, Mich., dedicated to preserving, enhancing and expanding the frontiers of medical science, and to achieving excellence in education by probing fundamental issues of education and the learning process.  Van Andel Research Institute (VARI), VAI’s research arm, is dedicated to studying the genetic, cellular and molecular origins of cancer, Parkinson’s and other diseases and working to translate those findings into effective therapies. This is accomplished through the work of more than 200 researchers in on-site laboratories and in collaborative partnerships that span the globe. Find out more about Van Andel Institute or donate by visiting www.vai.org