FAQ's

Do I need to bring my poster?

Yes, you MUST bring your poster with you to the competition.  The poster should be finalized and ready for display.

What size should my poster be?

Posters must fit on a vertical 4'x3' foam board: a maximum of 4' x 3' if arranged vertically (portrait) or 3' x 2' 3" if arranged horizontally (landscape).

I did my research with other interns. Can we attend SERCh together? Can we jointly submit a poster?

No duplicate entries this year!!! Students must create separate, unique posters and apply separately. Creating a different poster with the same information is entirely possible. Additionally, student teams often split the responsibilities so you might highlight your part. If you have difficulties, please work with your lab's writing coach or equivalent, your mentor, or your lab's education staff. Remember, if your teammate applies, we will no longer host the entire team, just the applicant (if selected).

What information should I put in the acknowledegements section? Logos?

It is customary to thank your laboratory mentor, your lab, and the Office of Science. Other mentions are your choice. Many students use the lab's logo, and/or their university logo, and the Office of Science logo. The latter can be found at http://www.science.doe.gov/News_Information/Logo_Gallery/index.htm

How should I bring my poster?

Students will roll up their posters and bring them on the plane.  This is recommended.  Otherwise, you can bring the entire mounted poster (check with airline size restrictions and no larger than 4' x 3' according to above question).

For poster set-up, what will be provided?

You will be provided with a competition number and foam poster board.  We will have very basic supplies on hand in case of emergencies, but this should not be relied upon.  These supplies will be limited to: markers, scissors, glue, pens.  We’ll also supply Velcro to assist in mounting.

What is involved in the oral presentation of the poster?

You are not required to give a separate presentation - no Power Point or view graphs.  When you are standing at the poster you will explain your work to visitors. During the poster session, judges will score your presentation and poster.  (See the RESOURCES section of this web site for scoring criteria.)

What should I wear?

For Sunday, you can dress business casual (ex: khakis and collared shirt but no jeans).  For Monday, you must wear business attire.

Where are the meals?

All participants will eat on site during the event.  The meals provided are dinner on Sunday and breakfast and lunch on Monday.

The application asks me to nominate a faculty member from my university. What does this mean?

Please DO NOT name your laboratory mentor, PI, or faculty member at the laboratory (FaST students) regardless of if he or she knows about your research. We want to reach out to university faculty in the sciences or engineering. If your academic advisor cannot attend, you can select your academic dean or another professor from your department. If not, you can choose another professor that teaches or taught one of your classes.

What are the activities at SERCh?

Please stay tuned for more detailed information on the agenda and email correspondence from event organizers!  Check your email often for updates, and respond promptly to requests for information.

Where will I register?

You’ll check in at the hotel to get room keys.

Will someone pick me up at the airport?  How will I know who to look for?

All participants will be picked up from the Chicago airport and be taken directly to the hotels.  We have all flight and arrival information.

Can I invite friends and family?

No. Only formally invited and pre-badged guests may attend.

What do I do if I’m not a U.S. citizen?

We have obtained clearance for all “Foreign National” students and faculty.  You just need to bring your passport and visa to get in to the laboratory.

What if I have more questions?

Email Shannon Dunphy Lazo at Shannon.dunphy@science.doe.gov.

Who do I contact in case while I am at Argonne or if I have a last minute emergency?

Call Shannon at 202-306-2738 (cell phone) during SERCh. If you need assistance prior to SERCh, please e-mail me at Shannon.dunphy@science.doe.gov.