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 2002 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 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 2020

CURSCA 2020 will be held on April 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Murray Student Center. This year CURSCA is co-chaired by Dr. Elisa Woolridge (Chemistry) and Dr. Juris Pupcenoks (Political Science). This year’s program will be expanded to include civic engagement and social justice projects, as well as theater and musical performances. The CURSCA program will be available in Spring 2020.

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

CURSCA Registration

Register for CURSCA >

All Marist students engaged in research or creative activities can apply to participate in CURSCA. All students who have received any financial support for their research, scholarship, and creative activities from Marist College are required to present at CURSCA, and will be given priority if space and constraints arise.

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, 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. The CURSCA Committee reviews and prioritize submissions based on available time and space. Please indicate any special needs (e.g., audio-visual or room configuration) regarding your presentation on the registration form.

Student Research Poster Presentations

CURSCA accommodates posters up to a size of 48 inches wide x 36 inches high. We will supply easels, presentation boards, and clips. Also, feel free to utilize our Student Research Poster Presentation Resources 

CURSCA 2020 Committee

Juris Pupcenoks Co-Chair, Associate Professor of Political Science

Elisa Woolridge Co-Chair, Associate Professor of Chemistry

Jessica Boscarino Associate Professor of Political Science

Nancy Calabrese Head, Public and Research Services Librarian

Susan Chambre Assistant Professor of Special Education

Raymond Kepner Associate Professor of Biology

Stephanie Seketa Director, Academic Affairs

James Snyder Interim Dean for Academic Engagement