130 students present papers at 10th Opportunity for Undergraduate Programmes Conference
Spread across September 14 and 15, Shiv Nadar University saw undergraduate students presenting 130 projects as part of the 10th edition of the Opportunity for Undergraduate Programmes (OUR) conference in five parallel sessions. Over 20 faculty members evaluated the presentations.
The university's OUR program enables undergraduate students to undertake funded research projects with faculty members in any discipline. Many undergraduate students have published their research work through this initiative.
"Creativity knows no age, and so doesn't research. We believe and practise this at Shiv Nadar University through the OUR program. It enables our young minds to indulge, discover and cultivate their interests in any domain of knowledge," says Professor Suneet Tuli, Dean, Research & Partnerships.
The OUR program builds on the research focus from the undergraduate level, retaining a commitment to fundamental research. At Shiv Nadar University, research is not limited to masters and doctoral students. It extends to all students at all levels.
OUR is one of the pioneering and flagship programs at Shiv Nadar University, which has paved the way for undergraduate students to conduct original research with faculty. As an extracurricular program, it allows the students to explore ideas beyond their program of study, driven purely by interest.
Mahita Yalamanchili, Electronics and Communication Engineering, a 4th-year student, says, "My motivation to pursue the 8T SRAM as a Dot Product Engine (DPE) stems from the need to optimise neural network performance in AI applications. Combining memory and processing in a single unit allowed me to significantly enhance speed and efficiency, which are crucial for tasks like image recognition and speech processing. The experience honed my problem-solving skills and reinforced the importance of perseverance and meticulousness in achieving innovative solutions."
The OUR program aims to give students hands-on experience conducting research and doing independent work under faculty supervision. This program has paved the way for students to learn by discovery, have greater student-faculty interaction, and expand the level of research activity on campus, besides helping to identify and train potential candidates for the university's graduate programs.
“My research was on child prostitutes in late colonial India. I am interested in understanding the category of child/childhood and the legal, medical, and political discourses that resulted in perpetuating the idea of the Indian child prostitute as morally inferior, not wanting protection, says Rashna Pathni, BA History, 4th year student.
Under the OUR program, students are expected to develop a foundational understanding of how research is conducted in their disciplines and a greater understanding of the available information resources and how to utilise them and interpret research outcomes.
Research is the backbone at Shiv Nadar University. The university aspires to produce research that changes the world and fosters excitement about powerful and enduring inquiry. Accordingly, research is integrally built into the university's curriculum.
The university also has a research infrastructure that is rare in the Global South, and more is being added daily to expand an exceptional research environment further. The university also encourages student-led research initiatives, providing opportunities to advance knowledge and make a meaningful impact.