1. 2017 MESA Research Poster Project Orientation
Welcome!
2017 MESA Research Poster Project Orientation
SANTA ROSA JUNIOR COLLEGE

2. Why? The poster project will allow you to:
Integrate research experience into your resume
Enrich your academic networking with faculty…Get involved with the scientific community through a 1-unit independent study course. You never know when you will need a recommendation letter.
Identify your level of interest in research
Understand the technical language of research articles.
File: Project Launch 2017

3. Research Poster Projects
There are three different types of posters that you can choose from:
Secondary Research Poster Projects are team research projects based on a “literature review.”
A “literature review” is done by summarizing and synthesizing the arguments and ideas of others without making new contributions.
It is not necessary, but the guidance of a faculty member can both enhance your project and build a professional relationship.
Research is done by gathering already performed research results from scientific journals (2-4 peer-reviewed articles).
Primary research projects will also be considered if sponsored by an SRJC faculty mentor and/or other Scientist mentors.
Whether you decide primary or secondary research, you are responsible for finding a mentor.
File: Project Launch 2017

4. Engineering Design Poster Project
Dive into project-based research with “How-To” projects inspired by MAKE® Magazine. Teams will plan, create, and display a model with scientific significance.
Good project to do as part of a club (TEC, Chem & Physics, etc.)—opportunity for club involvement.
“How-to” projects you get to make!!
Project-based: you will display the planning, designing, and creating process on your poster through photographs, charts, and writing.
Your project will be included into your “Portfolio” to give you an opportunity to get a publication in MAKE® Magazine!
You don’t know what to do?
Your project can be something already invented, but you can find a way to make it:
Less costly
More eco-friendly
Didactic and fun for learning purposes
It can be anything!!!
Walk into the MESA center and go through the magazines, get inspired!
Look online, find a project, and make it better!
File: Project Launch 2017

5. For all three types of Research Poster Projects ….
The goal is to transform your “research” work into a poster presentation suitable for exhibition to both non-technical and technical audiences.
You will collaborate in teams of two or three students (no individuals).
you will pose a research question (or plan a project), execute a research (or building) plan, and summarize your findings on a full-color poster.
MESA will provide a poster template and pay the poster printing costs. 
You will present at the annual MESA Transfer Honors Recognition Banquet.
File: Project Launch 2017

6. MESA Helps with a Project Timeline and Time Management Guidance
File: Project Launch 2017

7. MESA Helps with a Project Timeline and Time Management Guidance
File: Project Launch 2017

8. Primary Research Project Secondary Research Project
EXAMPLES
Concept Map
Primary Research Project
TITLE: Can cho1∆ extend the lifespan of Saccharomyces cerevisiae?
ABSTRACT [content]
SECTION HEADINGS:
Introduction [content]
Materials and Methods
KanMX Fragment Construction [content]
Purification [content]
Transformation [content]
PCR [content]
DISCUSSION: [You will probably not have this yet]
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
REFERENCES: [so far]
Secondary Research Project
TITLE: Atrazine: Structure, health effects, and removal methods
ABSTRACT [content]
SECTION HEADINGS:
Introduction [content]
Synthesis of Atrazine [content]
General Health Effects [content]
Effects on Amphibians [content]
Removal Materials [content]
CONCLUSION: [You will probably not have this yet]
REFERENCES: [so far]
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Similar to a table of contents, should include:
Poster title
Abstract
Section headings
(Ex. Introduction)
Brief description/outline of the content to be included under each heading
Conclusion/Discussion
Projections (if applicable)
Acknowledgements
References
File: Project Launch 2017

9. Communication Contact Communication is KEY! Darci Rosales
Each group must identify a team leader
Clarify questions
Check your progress
Proof-reading
Formatting
Contact
Darci Rosales
MESA Programs Coordinator
File: Project Launch 2017