John W. P. Ost Undergraduate Research Competition Print E-mail

What is it?  Each year the department hosts an Undergraduate Research Competition that honors the memory of Professor John W. P. Ost.  Professor Ost served as chair of the Department of Psychology from 1973 until 1977, and continued to serve as an active faculty member until his untimely death in 1988. The John Ost Undergraduate Research Competition in particular commemorates John's dedication to undergraduate research training. John was a popular teacher of the Research Methods course and supervised many students on individual research projects in a variety of topic areas.

At the Ost competition, each student presents a poster representing the  research that s/he has conducted with a faculty mentor.  The poster competition is public, and is always attended by both faculty and other students.  A panel of faculty judges picks the winner (and sometimes second place). 


Students conducting research with a faculty member are highly encouraged to participate in the Ost poster competition. Win or lose, experience in presenting research is one of the most valuable experiences that one can gain as a beginning researcher. It represents an opportunity for you to consolidate material learned in classes and while conducting the research, receive useful feedback, and begin to build a vitae.

Winners of the competition receive a cash prize and their names are engraved on a plaque that is displayed prominently in the department.

Ost 2012 Applicant Requirements

Eligibility:  Eligible presenters are undergraduates who are working on research under the supervision of a faculty member with a primary or secondary appointment in Psychology.  Psychology majors conducting behavioral research with faculty outside of the Department of Psychology may also participate.  Graduates may participate within 10 months after their graduation.