OKLAHOMA — Iowa State University student Liam McDermott, of Gowrie, presented his research at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research last week.

His research is “Quantitative Model of the Advanced Near-Field Optical Microscope for Nanomaterial Characterization.”

Ethan Owens, of Lake City, also presented research on “Human vs. Machine Game Playing.”

Only 51 Iowa State University students were chosen for this prestigious event.

The NCUR, held April 4-7 at the University of Central Oklahoma, brings together about 4,000 students from across the nation to present their scholarship and creative research in their disciplines.

This year, 51 Iowa State students from 26 different majors were selected to present their research at the conference — nearly quadrupling the number chosen last year.

Students attending also will be able to participate in one of the largest graduate school fairs in the nation, in addition to networking and professional development workshops.

Svitlana Zbarska, coordinator of Iowa State’s undergraduate research program, works with ISU students who are participating in NCUR. Last year, 13 students represented Iowa State at the University of Memphis.

“It is a great opportunity for students to meet other undergraduate researchers, master their presentation skills and learn more about graduate schools,” Zbarska said. “Iowa State will have strong representatives at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.”