Discovering the next “big thing” is the dream of many STEM majors who seek ways to contribute to the world’s social, health, environmental and economic challenges. The opportunity to do research is critical to offering innovations and solutions to existing or rising problems. For the 11th year, the Independent Colleges and Universities of New Jersey coordinated the Undergraduate Research Symposium funding student projects across multiple disciplines. The Symposium emphasizes STEM research but it does not limit participation. All majors are welcome.
For some students, the research is an extension of current projects in a new direction. For others, the purpose of the research is more personal. They seek answers to issues impacting the lives of those close to them. Students pose the questions, develop an exploratory path and budget, then seek answers through literary and hands-on research. They dedicate countless hours to their work. Experience the frustration of dead ends, equipment failures, and faulty methodology. They learn to reassess the processes, make changes, and work within limitations. Students prepare to take the knowledge gained in the classroom and apply it to real-life scenarios.
The Symposium is the culminating event. The research is complete, the conclusions have been drawn, and now all that is left is to share the findings because results that are not shared cannot change the world. The students learn to adapt their presentations to audiences of all knowledge levels. Over the course of the day each student presents to four different judges. Judges assess the presentation in seven distinct categories from quality of the abstract to ability to respond to questions. The judges’ feedback is compiled and shared with the students as a resource for building communication, decision making and networking skills.
2025 was the largest Symposium to date with 53 projects represented. A full list of projects can be found in the program journal. Dr. Katie Barletta, Global Medical Director at Ferring Pharmaceuticals, kicked off the day by sharing her career journey helping students understand that the path is not linear, demands that you make choices, and offers non-traditional paths to achieve goals. ICUNJ is pleased to recognize the ongoing support of PSEG Foundation and the talent of PSEG professionals who serve as judges. We also recognize the generosity of Bell Works who opens the East Atrium for displaying student projects. Additional judges are drawn from industries across the state. Please review the program journal for a full list of judges.
The talent, commitment and enthusiasm of the students participating in the Symposium reflects a promise of remarkable things to come. A goal of the Symposium is to encourage students to remain in STEM majors by exposing them to research as undergraduates – completing research with a faculty member drives a 121% increase in STEM persistence. A 2023 Stevens Institute of Technology study shows that fewer than 40% of students who begin a STEM program ultimately graduate with a degree in their chosen field, while about a fifth drop out of college altogether.
The study identified several factors that can contribute to student success in STEM. Financial support is just one piece of the puzzle but thanks to endowed and annual scholarships, funds are provided to students to help address the cost of college attendance which can include research expenses. More than 90% of the Symposium participants received some type of funding support. Another factor is the ability to work with an esteemed faculty member of research sponsor. The dedication of those behind the scenes could be readily seen in the appreciation of the students.
Each year the top performers are recognized for their ability to effectively relay their research during the Symposium. This year top performers included: Monika Chhetri, ’27 and Joy Guirguis, ’26 from Caldwell University. They were the first presenters to receive a perfect score. Second place was earned by Sanskruti Brahmbhatt,’25 from Seton Hall University; and Third place went to Federica Raco, ’25 from Caldwell University. Congratulations to all the participants who bravely took the stage and presented their work to 50 generous faculty and industry representatives.
A SUCCESS STORY ARISES FROM STUDENT PARTICIPATION
ICUNJ celebrates the success of students who participated in the Undergraduate Research Symposium. Click here to see how students at Monmouth University benefited.
