Undergraduate research showcased on campus

The talent and creativity of student researchers were on full display at the annual undergraduate research symposium on April 18.

The event featured 59 presenters and 36 projects covering Political Science, History, Art and Design, English Writing and Publication Studies, Psychological Science, Biology, Nursing, Theatre, Sports Management and Music.

Political Science Professor and Director of Undergraduate Research Dr. John Tures, who was a mentor for seven projects, said the symposium helps participants gain experience that can be used in graduate school or the job market.

“Undergraduate research is one of the best ways a student can use the skills they've learned in their classes to develop a theory, test a hypothesis, construct a research design, and present the results,” he said.

At the symposium, presenters compete for the Hines Undergraduate Research award, which is given to winners in four categories: Basic Research; Applied Research; Religious, Historical and Literary Analysis; and Performance and Creative Projects.

The winners were Mayla Daniel ’25 (Basic Research), Ema Turner ’26 (Applied Research), Hayleigh Sebaugh ’24 (Religious, Historical and Literary Analysis) and Jacob Broome ’24 (Creative/Performance).

Sebaugh, who presented her History project “Catalysts for Change: The Roles of Carris Chapman Catt and Alice Paul in Woodrow Wilson's Support of Women's Suffrage,” said she learned valuable lessons that she will take into her profession.

“The symposium has given me more confidence and experience in research, which will help me as I pursue a career in the field of public history,” she said.