UW-River Falls

Abstract Preparation Guide

You will need the following information to successfully complete the online form. It is not possible to save the form and come back to it, so be sure to have your information ready.

Sponsor(s)/Advisor(s) email, department and phone number
Co-presenter/Co-author names as they are to appear in the program (up to 7)
Special equipment and/or space needs
Parent/Guest name(s) and addresses (up to 2)

Title. With a goal of no more than 20 important words, the title should inform the reader about content and stimulate interest in the presentation. A newspaper headline format is especially effective.

Text. With a maximum of 300 words, not including the title, the text of your abstract should include the following:

Background and Rationale (1-2 sentences). Provide some background and a rationale for the study. What does your reader need before they can understand why you performed this scholarship/creative activity? Set the stage for further information on the topic.
Methods (1-2 sentences). Provide methods for how you accomplished your goals. How did you perform the study? What methods did you use to achieve your results? Check that your methods match the upcoming results.
Results (2-3 sentences). Choose your most significant findings and describe them. What did you accomplish? What is most important for your peers to know about your work? Share the critical findings only
Conclusions (1-2 sentences). Interpret your results for a broader audience. What can you conclude from your study? How do your results impact larger issues? Make sure your conclusions are supported by your results.

Sample Abstracts

The following abstract sample is titled: "Understanding Zebrafish Pigment Formation Through Functional Genomics"

As part of the effort to increase the genomics screening capacity of the University of Wisconsin-Stout’s Zebrafish Lab, we are investigating morpholino phosphorodiamidate oligonucleotide (MO) “knockdown” of pigment-related genes. A functional genomics tool complementary with other genomics tools, MOs allow rapid evaluation of gene expression knockdown in targeted pathways and are valuable in the advancement of understanding human disease and vertebrate development. To maximize embryo production for these experiments using our limited supply of breeding zebrafish (Danio rerio) on a primarily flake food diet, a breeding system consisting of alternating weeks of male/female separation has been investigated that yields about 1000 embryos per week (two collections). In order to establish and test MO knockdown of pigment-related genes, MOs will be injected into embryos at the one- to two-cell stage. Embryo manipulation and injection technique will be evaluated via injections of a tracking dye or a MO against tyrosinase, the rate-limiting enzyme of melanin production. Injection efficiency greater than 90% as assayed by the percent dye-stained embryos or percent pigment inhibited embryos will be used to assess injection success, prior to investigation of MO knockdown of other pigment-related genes. Ultimately, these pigment MOs will increase our understanding of pigment pathways.

The following abstract sample is titled: "Capturing the Moment after Meditation on a Beach"

Meditation is an activity which builds a relationship among myself, art, and nature. Weekly meditation on a beach influences my artwork. The nature changes dramatically depending on seasons. Creating a series of monthly meditation drawings helps to keep track of my emotional and physical responses to the nature. Thus, my goal is to portray a juxtaposition of meditation on the beach, the seasons, and myself. In order to achieve the goal, I use mixed media. This method allows me to create multiple layers. The entire canvas is painted with acrylic, sands from the beach are glued on top of the canvas, wax is brushed on the canvas, and a combination of oil pastels, baby oil, and golden powder are used. Abstract, yet organic forms in the artwork capture the moment in autumn. The cracked surface creates imagery of colorful dead leaves falling down to the earth. Thus, I successfully captured the sense of autumn through the usage of mixed materials, colors, and texture. All my five senses, especially auditory, tactile, and odor, become keen while closing the eyes. Applying experiences of meditation along with techniques of visual arts accomplish the metaphoric capturing of nature.

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