The 2023 Carroll College Student Undergraduate Research Festival is a highly anticipated annual event that showcases the exceptional research and scholarly projects conducted by undergraduate students at Carroll College. Spanning across various disciplines, including sciences, humanities, social sciences, and arts, this festival provides a platform for students to share their mentored research and scholarship with the campus and local community.
The event begins with a keynote address on Thursday, April 27 at 7 pm in the Simperman/Wiegand Auditorium: "Researching Megachurches in the Global South: Interdisciplinary approaches to World Christianity,” presented by Dr. Patricia Christian, adjunct professor of sociology at Carroll College. This event is free and open to the public.
On Friday, April 28 from 8:30–4:00 pm, Carroll students will showcase over 120 presentations and posters featuring a vast range of research subject matter. To provide insight into the extensive scope and depth of research being conducted, a selection of topics includes: Pregnancy Outcomes Related to COVID-19; Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rejection of Modern Architecture; Effects of incorporating peanuts into the diet of infants; The Effects of Fun on Executive Functioning; A Systemic Review of Weighted Blankets; and Effects of the SSRI antidepressant, Lexapro, on metabolic rate and addictive behaviors, to name a few.
The festival features a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere, with students presenting their research and scholarship in a variety of formats, such as oral presentations and poster presentations. The event is open to all students, faculty, staff, and members of the public.
The quality of the research presented at the festival is truly impressive, reflecting the rigorous academic standards and commitment to excellence at Carroll College. Students showcase their in-depth knowledge of their respective fields, as well as their critical thinking, problem-solving, intellectual curiousity, and communication skills. One of the highlights of the festival is the opportunity for students to engage in meaningful discussions about their scholarship with their peers, faculty mentors, and other attendees.
The Carroll College Student Undergraduate Research Festival exemplifies the institution's commitment to fostering a vibrant research culture and promoting undergraduate research as a hallmark of a Carroll education. It serves as a showcase of the exceptional research and scholarly talents of Carroll College students and demonstrates the impact of their research on the academic community and beyond.
Carroll invites any interested parties in the community to join our students throughout the event and learn about the vast breadth and depth of inquiry-based learning happening on Carroll’s campus.
More details on the festival including the schedule and full list of SURF participants can be found on the Undergraduate Research Festival webpage of the Carroll website. The festival is free and the public is encouraged to attend.