Through the Undergraduate Research Symposium, the Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey (ICUNJ) seeks to engage and retain students in STEM majors by providing a hands-on experience on a topic of interest to the student; prepare students for career and graduate study by enhancing knowledge and lab skills; introduce students to the variety of careers available to STEM graduates by introducing them to industry professionals; and help define success by demonstrating the value of contributing to industry and community impact.
Participant research is supported through the generous donors who provide grants and scholarships. The research – typically conducted during the late Fall and early Spring semesters – is augmented by the opportunity to interact with professionals from New Jersey’s industry leaders during the one-day symposium. Each presentation is judged by multiple professionals who provide feedback on student abstracts, visual resources, presentation and communication skills. The Symposium also offers an opportunity for peer and career networking. ICUNJ seeks judges from companies that that engage in research or utilize STEM majors as part of their workforce.
Beyond the research experiences, which encourage collaboration, foster problem solving and perseverance, the Symposium provides students with constructive feedback to assist them in developing the “power” skills that will be assets for future research presentations, graduate school and career interviews and as they support collaborative and team projects. Top scoring presenters, MacKenzie Scott, ’25, and Vanesa Barragan-Luna, ’25, of Rider University look forward to participating in the Symposium for a second time. Hear how these talented students found the opportunity to conduct research and participate in the annual Symposium transformational. Click here to follow them on their journey to the 2025 Symposium.
