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From examining mental health interventions to exploring language, justice and activism, students from across the College of Humanities and Social Sciences brought their research to life at �鶹��ý����’s annual Student Research Symposium.

This year, the college saw one of its strongest turnouts yet, with 129 student poster presentations accepted, highlighting the depth and diversity of undergraduate and graduate research across disciplines.

For many students, especially undergraduates, the symposium represents a first opportunity to present original research in a professional, conference-style setting. Participants engage directly with faculty, peers and visitors, gaining valuable experience in communicating complex ideas, answering questions and refining their work.

Across disciplines, CHSS students tackled timely and complex issues. In psychology, projects examined mental health, workplace equity and emerging technologies, including how college students perceive AI-driven wellness tools and how flexible work environments shape women’s experiences in STEM fields.

Other research explored systems of justice, memory and language. Students in political science, law and justice studies considered how trauma and systemic harm shape legal experiences, while humanities research explored topics like youth activism, LGBTQ+ advocacy and the evolving role of poetry in global protest movements.

The symposium also brought students to campus from across the country, underscoring its role as a meaningful academic milestone and an opportunity to engage with the university community in person. Elizabeth Moe, a student in the online Social Research and Data Analysis MA, traveled from out of state to present her research project, “The Role of Relationships in Alcohol Recovery,” said the experience was also her first time presenting research publicly.

“Presenting my research meant getting to take part of my life experience and turn it into something that might help others,” Moe said. “It was also a way for me to take pride in my work and share it in a meaningful, public way.”

Moe said she especially appreciated the opportunity to connect with attendees who stopped to ask questions and engage with her research throughout the day.

Beyond presenting, students gain confidence and clarity about their academic and professional paths. Preparing a poster, articulating research findings and responding to feedback are key steps in developing skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

The annual symposium continues to be a cornerstone of �鶹��ý����’s commitment to student research, offering a platform where ideas are tested, voices are heard and emerging scholars take their next steps.