MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — A record 32 Middle Tennessee State University undergraduate students presented their wide variety of research projects at a national level at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research in Long Beach, California, this spring.

More commonly known as NCUR, the conference provides opportunities for research presentation, peer connections and networking for continuing education for its thousands of attendees, according to the event’s website. 

Students applied to and secured spots to participate in the April 8-10 conference and received funding for the trip from the Undergraduate Research Center and the Student Organization for the Advancement of Research to help cover flights, registration fees, hotel stays, some group transportation and group meals. 

Jamie Burriss, director of the URC, and Katie Medrano, coordinator of the larger Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, attended with the students. 

“NCUR is a unique opportunity to celebrate and promote our students’ successes in research, scholarship, and creative activity,” Burriss said. “In addition to the academic benefits, travelling together as a cohort also strengthens our MTSU community of undergrad researchers by allowing students an opportunity to engage in teamwork, personal and cultural growth and leadership. It’s an all-around great experience.”

Hannah Antrican attended NCUR for the first time to present her research about the impacts of college students’ “eco-anxiety” — anxiety about climate change — on their pro-environment behaviors.

“Not only did I get more presentation experience, but I was able to meet with admissions staff from graduate schools across the country and learn what they have to offer,” said the double psychology and sociology major who will start her senior year this fall. “Other highlights included getting to talk to students from other universities and learn about their research … (and) meeting and getting to know other MTSU students who are doing a different type of research than I am.”

Antrican hopes to pursue an advanced degree and career in social services and advocacy after her undergraduate commencement next year.

“One thing that makes MTSU’s undergraduate research opportunities stand out from other universities is the amazing faculty we have,” said the Morristown native. “Everyone at the Undergraduate Research Center is so passionate about helping students and providing them with all kinds of amazing opportunities. Dr. Burriss is so encouraging and provides so much support in helping you put yourself out there.”

Weston Williams, a rising senior in fermentation science, presented at NCUR for the second time about the impacts of waste products created from producing penicillin — a powerful antibiotic used for fighting infection — on the environment and its possibly contributing to antimicrobial resistance to these very important drugs. 

“I was motivated to attend this year’s conference because of the experience I had last year, meeting peers in my field and talking with graduate colleges,” said Williams, who is from Franklin. “It’s a great opportunity to learn about the next steps in research. The conference invites graduate colleges that share information about their programs, and there are also undergraduate research publishing and different organizations that want to help these students.”

Additionally, Williams said he enjoyed the convention center being located “practically on the beach” and making the most of exploring the area with his fellow MTSU undergraduate researchers. 

“Undergraduate research is one of MTSU’s hidden advantages,” he said. “The URECA (undergraduate research grant) program is a great opportunity that I wish more students could learn of and take advantage of. 

“Undergraduate research is not only important for students seeking to differentiate themselves but also for those seeking higher education opportunities, unique job opportunities and long-term career development skills.”

Learn more about the opportunities at the Undergraduate Research Center at https://mtsu.edu/urc/ and the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs at https://mtsu.edu/research/. 

— Stephanie Wagner (Stephanie.Wagner@mtsu.edu)