AU students to present scholarly work at 13th URCA Symposium on April 6

ASHLAND, Ohio – More than 60 students and alumni from the College of Arts and Sciences at Ashland University will present their scholarly work at the 13th annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity (URCA) Symposium on Wednesday, April 6. The public is welcome to attend this event, in which presenters will display original research, read original creative writing or exhibit new works in design and fine art. The presentations are scheduled throughout the day (9 a.m.-4:15 p.m.) at the John C. Myers Convocation Center.

With about 20 academic programs represented, there are topics to satisfy anyone’s interest. “Using CRISPR Gene Editing to Explore the Role of RNA Binding Proteins in Eye Lens Development” (biology), “Web Application for Automation of Book Writing” (computer science, mathematics), “All My Sons: An Exploration of the Moral Dilemmas of Post-WWII America” (theatre, political science, religion), “Local Businesses: Entrepreneurs of Happiness” (international business), “Effects of Mental Imagery on Athletic Performance” (psychology), “Brand Identity and Product Package Design” (graphic design), “Why Does Genocide Sometimes Result from Persecution? A Case Study of Twentieth Century Tutsi Persecution and the Rwandan Genocide” (history) and “STEERus Alexa App for Soft Skills” (computer science) are among the enticing project titles.

Established in 2009, URCA was designed to give AU students an opportunity to enhance their educational experience. It prepares them to present at professional conferences, author and/or co-author publications in journals, compete and perform at state, regional and national levels and exhibit work in a variety of venues.

“Students who participate in undergraduate research in any discipline are better prepared for postgraduate work or graduate studies and are challenged in ways that prepare them for future research, critical thinking and effective speaking and communication,” stated Dan McDonald, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

The full schedule of URCA is available here.

Ashland University is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.