April 27, 2011, the University of Kentucky held the annual Undergraduate Showcase of Scholars. The event is organized each year by the Society for Promotion of Undergraduate Research (SPUR). Lindsey Smith, a human nutrition sophomore, is currently serving as president of SPUR. After the event, Lindsey reflected very positively upon the showcase. "The discussions occurring between the student presenters and attendees were really thought provoking, and really led to a better understanding about the kinds of undergraduate work going on within our campus community."
In addition to Lindsey's leadership in planning the event, the Department of Nutrition and Food Science was well represented in participation. Thirty-five undergraduate students presented posters at the showcase as part of the NFS 474/475 course sequence. In addition, Brett Dickens, a human nutrition sophomore, presented a poster entitled "The Effects of Endurance Training During Pregnancy on Offspring Health."
Faculty from the Department of Nutrition and Food Science evaluated the projects and selected five as "Outstanding Research Projects for 2010-2011." Those five are:
Allison Bond - "Correlation between physical activity and breakfast intake"
Abby Priddle - "The effects of physical activity on collegiate academic performance"
Ashley Smith - "Correlation between eating breakfast and academic success in college students"
Jentry Stephens - "A search for the most nutritious and affordable fast food options readily available for University of Kentucky college students"
Tracey Thackston -"The effect of sports involvement on GPA in high school students"
In addition to sharing research, students from the department showcased their food preparation and hospitality talents by catering the event. Dr. Sandra Bastin and Chef Bob Perry's students from NFS-342, Quantity Food Production, were complimented for displaying their culinary and service skills.
The showcase is an annual event typically scheduled the last Wednesday in April.