26th Undergraduate Research Exposition

 The Undergraduate Research Exposition, sponsored by the Graduate School and Research, 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

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Undergraduate Exposition Presentations

The 26th Annual Undergraduate Exposition features research poster presentations, oral presentations, performances, and fine arts exhibits. This annual conference provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to present their research to an engaged audience.

Discover the Presentations
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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.

 

See the APG Awardees

2024 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. 

 

Explore Accepted Projects

Schedule At-A-Glance

Wednesday, March 20th

Undergraduate Expo and Graduate Research Symposium at the A.K. Hinds University Center and the Ramsey Regional Activity Center 

  • 9:00 am – 3:00 pm – Undergraduate and Graduate Oral and Performance Presentations in the A.K. Hinds University Center. Sponsored by the Graduate Research Symposium and the Undergrad Exposition.
  • 3:05 pm – 4:55 pm – Preliminary Faculty 3-Minute Research Talk
  • 4:55 pm – 6:00 pm – The Research and Scholarship Conference Keynote Event. Sponsored by the Graduate Research Symposium and the Undergraduate Exposition, and will be held in the Ramsey Center Arena.
  • 6:00 pm – 6:15 pm – Award Ceremony. Sponsored by the Graduate Research Symposium.
  • 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm The Undergraduate Exposition and Graduate Research Symposium Poster Presentations and Reception, to be held on the Concourse Level of the Ramsey Center.

 

Thursday, March 21st

The Faculty Scholarship Celebration in the A.K. Hinds University Center 

  • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm – The 3rd Annual Faculty 3-Minute Research Talk Competition in the A.K. Hinds University Center’s Grandroom
  • 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm – Faculty Scholarship Celebration Luncheon in the Grandroom (reservation only event)
  • 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm – Award Celebration of the WCU Million Dollar Circle, Hunter Scholar, and Provost’s Scholarship Development Awardees for 2023-2024 will be included.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 2024 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, 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 2024 Research and Scholarship Conference Undergraduate Exposition, Graduate Symposium, and Faculty Scholarship Celebration Organizing Team:

  • 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
  • Mariah Nehus, Executive Assistant, Hunter Library
  • Roxane Stiles, Executive Assistant, Graduate School and Research
  • Samantha Ellithorpe, Pre-Award Manager, Office of Research Administration, Graduate School and Research
  • Todd Lawing and the Ramsey Center Arena Staff
  • The A.K. Hinds University Center Staff
  • The WCU Print Shop
  • University Marketing
  • Aramark Catering