The impact of undergraduate research was on full display on April 24 at the Lola & Rob Salazar Student Wellness Center. More than 280 learners and their presentations—a mix of posters, demonstrations, and other engaging displays—filled the gymnasium for the annual Research and Creative Activities Symposium (RaCAS).
Hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities, the daylong event was an opportunity for student presenters to share the research they’ve worked on—alongside faculty mentors—throughout the academic year. “The interesting thing about getting to go to a research university is you are not here to just learn about new stuff and study—you’re going to create knowledge,” Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Phillip De Leon, PhD, said to presenters at the event.
De Leon also gave a shoutout to the faculty members involved in RaCAS, who not only teach students but also give them opportunities to conduct cutting-edge research in their labs. “I want to acknowledge and thank the faculty mentors,” he said. “One of the greatest joys I have is being a professor, supervising students’ research.”
Below are photo highlights from this year’s RaCAS.
