28th Undergraduate Research Exposition
The Undergraduate Research Exposition, sponsored by the Graduate School and Research, and the Office of the Provost, as a part of WCU’s campus-wide Research and Scholarship Conference, provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to work with faculty to present their research and scholarly activities to an engaged audience on campus.
The Undergraduate Research Exposition highlights some of the remarkable academic research WCU students pursue during their time at Western Carolina University. Many of our students are selected for grant awards to conduct and/or disseminate their research at various external conferences across the states.
Discover the Undergraduate Exposition
Undergraduate Exposition Presentations
The 28th Annual Undergraduate Exposition features research oral and poster presentations, performances, and fine arts exhibits. This annual conference provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to present their research to an engaged audience.
Academic Project Grants
The Office of Research Administration sponsors Undergraduate Academic Project Grants (APGs) each year to support students with the opportunity to work on research or creative activities with faculty. Projects are reviewed by a committee of faculty from across WCU’s colleges and the Hunter Library.
2026 NCUR Accepted Projects
Western Carolina University has established itself as a national leader in undergraduate research and has a long-standing tradition of acceptance and participation in the National Conference on Undergraduate Research. Students accepted to NCUR have the opportunity to present their undergraduate research along with peers from across disciplines. Since 1987, NCUR has been a flagship conference for undergraduate researchers to share, celebrate, and promote their research achievements.
58th Juried Undergraduate Exhibition
Western Carolina University’s Annual Juried Undergraduate Exhibition is one of the longest-running Catamount art traditions. This exhibition is an extraordinary opportunity for WCU undergraduate students to share their artwork with a larger public and to enhance their skills in presenting artwork in a professional gallery setting.
2026 Schedule At A Glance
On Wednesday, March 25th, experience a full day of scholarly engagement, including oral and poster presentations, and fine arts exhibits. The day concludes with a keynote address and celebratory reception sponsored by the Office of the Provost.
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- 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Undergraduate, Graduate, and Faculty Oral Presentations: A.K. Hinds University Center, Performances: Coulter Recital Hall
- 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Keynote Address, Ramsey Center Arena
- 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Undergraduate, Graduate, and Faculty Poster Presentations, Fine Arts Exhibits, and the Celebration Reception, Ramsey Center Concourse
On Thursday, March 26th, the annual Faculty Scholarship Celebration will highlight faculty research and scholarship accomplishments, including the Faculty 3MR Competition and recognition of major award recipients.
- 11:00 am – 1:30 pm, A.K. Hinds University Center Grand Room
- The 5th Annual Faculty 3-Minute Research (3MR) Competition
- Faculty Scholarship Celebration Luncheon (reservation-only event)
- Awards Presentation (Million Dollar Circle, Hunter Scholar, Provost’s Scholarship Development Award)
Acknowledgements
The Research and Scholarship Conference would not be possible without the leadership and support of so many from across Western’s campus. We wish to extend our gratitude to those who have made this event possible.
The 2026 Research and Scholarship Conference Leadership Team:
- Carmen Huffman, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs
- Jeff Lawson, Dean, The Graduate School and Research
- Joy Bowers-Campbell, Associate Dean, Graduate School and Research
- John Hildreth, Interim Associate Dean, Office of Research Administration, Graduate School and Research
- Kloo Hansen, Director, Office of Research Administration, Graduate School and Research
- Suzanne Melton, Research Programs Coordinator, Office of Research Administration, The Graduate School and Research
- Jill Granger, Dean, The Brinson Honors College
- Heidi Buchanan, Interim Dean, Hunter Library
The 2026 Research and Scholarship Conference Undergraduate Exposition, Graduate Symposium, and Faculty Scholarship Celebration Organizing Team & Campus Collaborators:
- Holly Vaughan, Graduate Recruiting and Communications Director, Graduate School and Research
- Kate Roche, Student Services Specialist, Graduate School and Research
- Roxane Stiles, Executive Assistant, Graduate School and Research
- Samantha Ellithorpe, Pre-Award Manager, Office of Research Administration, Graduate School and Research
- Matt Salerno, Research Services Coordinator, Office of Research Administration, Graduate School and Research
- Janice Feichter, Advancement Events Manager, Advancement
- Joy Mischley, Director of Community Engaged Learning, Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning
- Sarah Jackson, Assistant Professor, Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Joshua Everhart, Administrative Support Associate, Hunter Library
- Meagan Jones, Executive Assistant, Hunter Library
- Graduate School and Research Administration Staff
- Todd Lawing and the Ramsey Center Arena Staff
- A.K. Hinds University Center Staff
- WCU Print Shop Staff
- University Communications and Marketing Staff
- Aramark Catering Staff
- Facilities Management Staff