Whittier College's 2016 Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (URSCA) Presentation Day highlighted the quality undergraduate research produced by Whittier students.
The all-day conference included simultaneous poster sessions in Mendenhall lobby and individual presentations in Hoover Hall.
According to James Irvine Foundation Professor of Biology and URSCA Director Cheryl Swift, the conference had more than 160 attendees and 130 student presentations.
Academic departments from all across campus were represented at URSCA. Research topics included ecology and evolution; inclusion and ideological frameworks; economic analysis; fine arts; education; disease and neurobiology, and earth, space, and light.
Sociology major Alyssa Mendez ’16 presented to her peers, local teachers, and Whittier professors her study on teacher perceptions of inclusive education and found that there seems to be apprehension, “color-blindness,” and lack of confidence/preparation when it comes to applying inclusive education.
Pioneer High School students working with Whittier College Visiting Professor of Physics Brock Russell through the Artemis Program also presented their research at URSCA. Juniors Krystal Frith, Maria Lara, and Heavenly Lara took part in one of the poster sessions where they showcased a low-cost, 3D printed prosthetic hand assembled and designed by the young researchers.
“The event highlighted that Whittier faculty are clearly student-centered,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty Darrin Good.
“It will be our young researchers today, who will play essential roles in the future of their professional and academic fields,” said Good. “I’d bet that some of those future leaders and original thinkers who are going to help us solve the world's current challenges and identify the next great challenges presented at URSCA this year.”
