MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University students are making global waves this summer — not just as researchers, but as international academic leaders. 

Four MTSU undergraduates traveled to the University of Warwick in Coventry, England, to present their research at the 2025 International Conference of Undergraduate Research, or ICUR. Representing the university and the United States, these students also played a vital role behind the scenes, serving on the student leadership team that organized the global conference.

Among the distinguished group were Honors students Emily Callison (psychology), Muny Chet (chemistry), and Ariel Nicastro (physics), alongside Andrew Hetrick, a biology major. Each student not only presented original research but also served as a panel facilitator, mentoring fellow participants and managing presentation sessions for peers from institutions spanning six continents.

Their participation reflects a broader milestone for the university: MTSU was the only U.S. institution invited to join the ICUR organizing committee this year — an honor that cements the university’s growing international reputation for excellence in undergraduate research.

“This opportunity to collaborate with institutions across the United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, Germany, and Brazil is a distinct honor,” said Jamie Burriss, director of the Undergraduate Research Center. “It highlights MTSU’s leadership on the global stage and our commitment to advancing undergraduate research.”

“We spoke in different accents, wore different flags, but shared something unmistakable: an earnest desire to understand the world more deeply,” explained Callison.

Platform for global scholarship

Hosted June 18-19 by the University of Warwick’s Institute for Advanced Teaching and Learning, ICUR is a rigorous interdisciplinary conference developed to give undergraduates an authentic academic experience. Through high-definition digital technology and in-person events, students engage in cross-continental dialogue, receive professional feedback, and connect with peers across the world.

“Research, mentorship, international connections, and travel — my trip to England for ICUR had it all,” said Nicastro, a Buchanan Fellow. Her research, which focused on improving zinc oxide nanorod synthesis for enhanced electrochemical sensors, was complemented by her leadership role mentoring over a dozen fellow presenters.

“Being a panel facilitator taught me that clear, concise communication is key,” she added. “This experience gave me more confidence to present STEM research to an interdisciplinary audience and inspired me to pursue a career with international collaboration at its core.”

Hetrick echoed the sentiment. He presented research on tracking harmful algal blooms using biotechnology. As a panel facilitator, he led virtual planning meetings with students from countries including Brazil, South Africa, and Singapore.

“This was my first international conference, and it solidified my passion for global conservation research,” he said. “Seeing how students across the world are tackling similar environmental issues was both humbling and energizing.”

Research meets real-world responsibility

For Chet, the conference was not only an academic endeavor but also a personal journey in leadership. His project explored the trophic transfer of cyanotoxins, a subject he pursued out of a passion for environmental science.

“Initially, I thought I’d just present,” said Chet. “But being part of the organizing team gave me new appreciation for the coordination and timing needed to run a conference like this.”

Despite the demands, Chet embraced the challenge — and the camaraderie. “One of my proudest moments was when a Warwick student told me all the MTSU presentations were captivating. That meant a lot.”

Said Callison: “I wasn’t just going abroad to share my work; I was going to help other students across the globe share theirs. The dual role of presenter and facilitator felt like a sacred responsibility that humbled me greatly.”

Outside of academic responsibilities, the students made lasting memories. From sightseeing in London and Stratford-upon-Avon to spontaneous “Tesco runs” and late-night chats with international peers, the experience extended far beyond the conference room.

“I made friends from Brazil, Albania, and Dubai,” added Nicastro. “One night we shared food at a local pub, and I even developed a taste for malt vinegar on fries.”

Lasting impact

The students’ success at ICUR is part of a growing legacy. MTSU first partnered with the University of Warwick in 2023 through the World Congress on Undergraduate Research. That initial engagement laid the groundwork for deeper collaboration and this year’s prestigious organizing committee invitation.

“This was more than just an academic trip,” said Burriss. “Our students committed to months of preparation, early-morning workshops, and cultural immersion. Their leadership was critical to ICUR’s success.”

Looking ahead, Burriss hopes to expand MTSU’s involvement, with plans to host on-campus viewing sessions of ICUR presentations in 2026 and encourage more students to present virtually.

“We want more of our students to see what’s possible,” she said. “International undergraduate research opens minds, builds confidence, and prepares students for a future that’s more connected than ever.”

As for the students, they return from England with more than bullet points for their résumés. They return with broader worldviews, refined communication skills, and a sense of belonging in the global academic community.

“This was an unforgettable experience,” said Hetrick. “I felt like I was looking at Tennessee’s ecosystems through a funhouse mirror — familiar but different. That’s how the whole trip felt: eye-opening and exciting.”

Learn more about MTSU’s Undergraduate Research Center at urc.mtsu.edu.

— Robin E. Lee (Robin.E.Lee@mtsu.edu)