Florida State University hosted a record number of undergraduate researchers at its annual spring symposium on April 1, according to a statement from the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement. The event took place in the Student Union Ballrooms and featured more than 800 students presenting over 600 poster projects and creative presentations, drawing nearly 2,000 attendees from the university community and beyond.
The symposium is significant as it highlights FSU’s commitment to fostering research skills among undergraduates across diverse disciplines. It also demonstrates the impact of mentorship and collaborative learning experiences in preparing students for future academic or professional pursuits.
Latika Young, director of the Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement (CRE), said, “We’re proud for FSU to host one of the largest university-wide undergraduate research events of this kind. This is the culmination of so much impressive student work, representing a wide variety of disciplines and hundreds of examples of mentors sharing their wisdom and guidance with our students.”
Students worked with faculty, postdoctoral fellows, or graduate student mentors on projects supported by programs such as the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, Honors in the Major program, Directed Individual Study within academic programs, among others. Projects covered a broad range: from analyzing data transparency practices among professional cyclists using Strava to exploring advances in localized drug delivery through magnetic nanoparticles. Cell and molecular neuroscience student Davion Slocum shared his motivation behind researching cognitive markers for earlier detection of Alzheimer’s disease: “Seeing the difficulties of dealing with that, I wanted to learn the behind-the-scenes… That’s why I chose to do all this.”
In addition to health-related topics, presentations spanned areas such as disaster debris management, private equity’s role in accounting firms, generative AI use in academia, ballet influences on pop culture, architecture inspired by Gothic design principles—and more. Lucia Salvato Valiente said about her project: “By opening a window to the past… help shape a future where design and architecture promote empathy…”
During a lunch-hour event called Nourishing Creativity—part of CRE’s programming—students presented creative works including stop-motion animation about historical events and handmade furniture designs. The event also recognized outstanding mentors with awards honoring faculty member Jizhe Cai; postdoctoral fellow Helene Tigro; graduate students Chris Gahagan and Neda Mobasher—all nominated by their mentees who cited these individuals’ dedication to supporting undergraduate research.
DeOnte Brown, dean of Undergraduate Studies at FSU said: “I’m so impressed by our students’ curiosity… Thanks to time and energy from our faculty… so many get transformative learning experience during their undergraduate years.”
For more information about opportunities available through CRE or how undergraduates can get involved in research at Florida State University visit their website.
