HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Thirty-one students from Marshall University were among 106 students from throughout West Virginia who presented their research projects in poster format during the ninth annual Undergraduate Research Day last week at the State Capitol in Charleston.

The following is a list of local Marshall students who participated, along with their hometowns, fields of study, research project titles and advisors:

Edwin Warnick of Proctorville (computer science/information technology), “CRES – Cyber-security Research and Education System” — Dr. Paulus Wahjudi, advisor

Joseph Hall of South Point (computer science/information technology), “Document Retrieval to Identify Evidence of Protein Roles” — Dr. Hyoil Han, advisor

Warren Shelton of Proctorville (computer science/information technology), “Lockout” — Dr. Hyoil Han, advisor

Mark Carroll of South Point (computer science/information technology), “RSS with TTS” — Dr. Venkat Gudivada, advisor

The event, which is held in the Capitol rotunda, helps state policymakers understand the importance of undergraduate research by giving them an opportunity to talk directly with the students who conduct the research. The student projects are original research and their posters are designed for a general audience.

“This is a fun event for both students and members of the Legislature,” said Dr. Michael Castellani, professor and chair of Marshall’s chemistry department, and co-chair of the event’s organizing committee. “Students engage in original research projects for as long as four years and this event provides them a chance to share their work with delegates and senators.”

Featured projects included research in the fields of biochemistry, biology, chemical engineering, chemistry, communications, computer science/information technology, economics, engineering, English, environmental sciences, environmental studies, geology, mathematics, physics and psychology.

In addition to Marshall, the other 14 universities and colleges represented at the event were Alderson-Broaddus College, Bluefield State College, Concord University, Fairmont State University, Glenville State College, Ohio Valley University, Shepherd University, the University of Charleston, West Liberty University, West Virginia State University, West Virginia University, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Wheeling Jesuit University and WVU Institute of Technology.

“Descriptions of some projects are distributed worldwide and much of the work is on par with that done at the best universities in the country,” Castellani said. “This event provides a unique opportunity for members of the legislature to see an aspect of higher education that is normally hidden from public view, but is one of the most important tools for developing students for entry into the workplace or postgraduate education.”

Marshall University is the oldest public institution of higher learning in West Virginia and one of the region’s most dynamic universities, serving students from 47 states and more than 60 countries.

Marshall offers undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs, and competes in Division I intercollegiate sports in Conference USA. Located in the college town of Huntington, West Virginia, Marshall is known for its safe and beautiful campus, dedicated professors, small class size, successful graduates and great value.