The Celebration of Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (CURSCA) is Marist College’s annual showcase of scholarly and creative work by undergraduates. CURSCA provides a forum for students to share their work with, and be celebrated by, the Marist community. The first CURSCA was held in April 2003 and was limited to a display of scientific posters; today, CURSCA includes poster presentations, oral presentations, and creative displays and performances. CURSCA is a vibrant display of the complexity and depth of undergraduate research and creative pursuits at Marist.

Undergraduate research is a high-impact practice that drives important student learning outcomes. Mentoring students is also critical to faculty engagement. The Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) defines undergraduate research as “[a] mentored investigation or creative inquiry conducted by undergraduates that seeks to make a scholarly or artistic contribution to knowledge.” The CURSCA committee takes a pluralistic approach to undergraduate research to include all independent projects that students complete under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Thus, undergraduate research is not limited to the humanities or sciences but happens in all majors and departments across our campus. Likewise, creative activities are pursued by students enrolled in many different majors.

CURSCA 2023

CURSCA 2023 will be hosted in person during the week of April 17-21 to coincide with Undergraduate Research Week. CURSCA will take place on Wednesday, April 19.

Marist College is an enhanced institutional member of the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR). All students can register as a CUR member.

CURSCA Registration

All Marist students engaged in research or creative activities can apply to participate in CURSCA. All students must have a faculty sponsor to submit and present their work. Students may present research or scholarly/creative activity that they have already prepared or presented for another purpose, such as an independent study or senior project, a conference presentation, a dramatic reading, or a recital. The CURSCA Committee prefers that students present work that goes beyond a course assignment; that is, work that represents a higher level of independent scholarship; however, work that was undertaken as part of a course is acceptable for submission. The CURSCA Committee reviews and accepts all student projects that will be included in CURSCA 2022.

The registration portal for CURSCA 2023 can be found here. The registration portal will close on March 31, 2023.

Student Research Poster Presentations

Students can use the following Marist College poster templates, and resources, in preparing their presentations:

• 36x48 Research Poster Template 
  • Portrait
  • Landscape
• Student Research Poster Presentation Resources 

CURSCA 2023 Committee

Juris Pupcenoks Co-Chair, Associate Professor of Political Science

Kimery Levering Co-Chair, Associate Professor of Psychology

Michel Becuwe Assistant Professor of Biology

Jessica Boscarino Associate Professor of Political Science

Nancy Calabrese Head, Public and Research Services Librarian

Raymond Kepner Associate Professor of Biology

Elizabeth Reid Assistant Professor of Mathematics

Caroline Rider Associate Professor, School of Management

Philip Scepanski Assistant Professor of Media Arts

James Snyder Dean for Academic Engagement and Associate Professor of Philosophy