27th 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 27th Annual Undergraduate Exposition features research poster presentations and oral presentations. 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.
2025 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.
57th 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.
2025 Schedule At A Glance
Wednesday, March 19th: The Undergraduate Exposition and Graduate Research Symposium (open to campus and the public):
- 9:00 am – 3:00 pm – Undergraduate and Graduate Oral and Performance presentations, A.K. Hinds University Center
- 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm – The Research and Scholarship Conference Keynote Address, Ramsey Center Arena
- 6:00 pm – 6:15 pm – Award Ceremony, Ramsey Center Arena
- 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm – The Undergraduate Exposition and Graduate Research Symposium Poster Presentations, Fine Arts Exhibits, and Reception, Ramsey Center Concourse
Thursday, March 20th: The Faculty Scholarship Celebration:
- 11:00 am – 12:00 pm – The 4th Annual Faculty 3-Minute Research Talk Competition, A.K. Hinds University Center’s Grandroom
- 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm – Faculty Scholarship Celebration Luncheon, A.K. Hinds University Center’s Grandroom (reservation-only event)
- 12:45 pm – 1:30 pm – Awards and Highlights
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 2025 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
- Chuck Thomas, Dean, Hunter Library
The 2025 Research and Scholarship Conference Undergraduate Exposition, Graduate Symposium, and Faculty Scholarship Celebration Organizing Team & Campus Collaborators:
- Dana Boyer, Business Officer, Hunter Library
- Heidi Buchanan, Associate Dean, Hunter Library
- Holly Vaughan, Graduate Recruiting and Communications Director, Graduate School and Research
- Joshua Everhart, Administrative Support Associate, Hunter Library
- 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
- Todd Lawing and the Ramsey Center Arena Staff
- A.K. Hinds University Center Staff
- WCU Print Shop Staff
- WCU Bookstore Staff
- University Communications and Marketing Staff
- Aramark Catering Staff
- Facilities Management Staff
- DegreePlus