Benedictine University held its annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Arts (URSA) Symposium on April 16 at the Daniel L. Goodwin Hall of Business. The event brought together students from various disciplines to present research and creative projects developed in collaboration with faculty mentors.
The symposium is an important part of Benedictine University’s academic calendar, offering undergraduates opportunities to showcase their work and engage with peers across fields. Established in 2011, URSA has become a platform for students to lead or participate in research that reflects the university’s commitment to intellectual growth.
This year’s event featured oral presentations scheduled throughout the afternoon in three different rooms. Topics included community-oriented policing, music’s role in Native American identity, existentialist perspectives on eating disorders, social media echo chambers, CAR-T cell therapy for solid tumors, and medical illustration through a racialized lens. Organizers said these presentations highlight how URSA embraces a broad definition of scholarship.
A poster session took place in the first-floor lobby from 12:30-2:30 p.m., where students presented research on subjects such as Wolbachia bacteria in arthropods, neurotoxic effects of microplastics on the brain, artificial intelligence systems for goose deterrence at Lake St. Benedict, personality traits linked to social deduction games, and community service projects like winter clothing drives for survivors of domestic violence. Creative works from humanities and arts students were also displayed.
Benedictine University promotes a diverse community dedicated to intellectual, spiritual, and personal development according to the official website. The university operates campuses in Lisle, Illinois; Mesa, Arizona; and other sites as outlined on its website. Its programs are grounded in Catholic heritage and Benedictine tradition according to its official site, providing education across liberal arts and professional fields while upholding core values from its roots. Flexible degree options are available for adult learners online or through various colleges as detailed by the university.
