May 2, 2012 — More than 40 research projects by University of Virginia undergraduates, graduate students and post-doctoral fellows have been selected as finalists in the Second Annual President's Research Poster Competition, being held Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Rotunda.

The finalists were chosen from among nearly 140 entries from every school at U.Va.

The inaugural competition in 2011 was part of President Teresa A. Sullivan's inauguration in order to showcase research, one of the University's core missions.

Projects are competing in six categories: physical and environmental sciences; engineering, biosciences and health; humanities, social, behavioral and economic sciences; law, business, policy and education; translational and applied research; and performing and fine arts and architecture. Sullivan will award one winning poster in each category a $500 prize.

The researchers will be on hand during the exhibit to discuss their research and scholarship and answer questions. The broad range of posters includes such topics as "Hidden Players in Atherosclerosis: New Insights Into the Leading Cause of Death"; "Designing a Public Park to Balance Industry and Nature" and "Does Fast = Functional? Reading Rates in First Grade."

The competition is free and open to the public. The winning posters will be on display at the Rotunda from May 5 to 12, and all of the posters can be viewed on the competition website.