Celebration of Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (CURSCA)

The Celebration of Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (CURSCA) is Marist’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 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 2025

CURSCA 2025 will be hosted in person during the week of April 21-25 to coincide with Undergraduate Research Week. CURSCA will take place on Wednesday, April 23.

Marist 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 2025 can be found here. The registration portal will close on March 22, 2024.

Student Research Poster Presentations

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

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

CURSCA 2025 Committee

Kimery Levering, Co-Chair, Associate Professor of Psychology 

Michel Becuwe, Co-Chair, Assistant Professor of Biology 

Jessica Boscarino Associate Professor of Political Science

Nancy Calabrese Head, Public and Research Services Librarian

Daria Hanssen Associate Professor of Social Work 

Jennifer Finn Chairperson Fashion Department and Senior Professional Lecturer Fashion Merchandising

Elizabeth Reid Co-Chair, Associate Professor of Mathematics 

Caroline Rider Associate Professor, School of Management

James Snyder Dean for Academic Engagement and Associate Professor of Philosophy