Independent College Students Enjoy A Successful Career Building Day 

As the impact of AI expands as an element of every industry, higher education recognizes the need to prepare students from all areas of study to enter the workforce with an understanding of the relevant applications, basic skills in utilizing common programs and an ethical approach to utilizing AI to enhance performance. While mindful of AI as a tool in the research process. ICUNJ dedicates the Symposium to the development of the human skills that focus and temper AI. Students apply critical thinking, time management, collaboration and adaptability skills while performing their research. The day of the Symposium, the ability to effectively conduct a presentation, respond to inquiries and build a network are put to the test. The research serves an impetus for persistence in STEM but promotes much more over the course of the research and Symposium. Congratulations to all the 2026 presenters for a job well done!

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Independent Colleges Showcase New Jersey’s Best and Brightest Minds

Since it was established in 2012, the annual ICUNJ Undergraduate Research Symposium has given students at our 13 member institutions the opportunity to conduct in-depth research on a wide variety of STEM related topics of special interest to them.

The Symposium challenges students at New Jersey’s independent colleges and universities to explore STEM areas through hands-on, inquiry-based learning. Working closely with leading faculty on their campuses, students test innovative concepts, prepare poster presentations and defend their results to judges. The program was initiated as a way to encourage persistence in STEM majors and increase awareness for the myriad of STEM careers in industries across New Jersey.

Throughout the Fall and into the early weeks of the Spring semester, students eager to bring innovation to current health, ecological and community issues engage in independent research.  Student research is funded through sponsorships and research-focused scholarships. Last year, over 50 student research projects were showcased during a half-day forum held at Bell Works in Holmdel, New Jersey. During the Symposium, students build their communication, interviewing and networking skills by presenting their findings to judges from New Jersey’s leading industries. “I felt as though I was interacting with the Albert Einsteins of the 21st century,” said one past judge.

 The Symposium kicks off each year with a program designed to offer participants insights into strategies for career and life success. In the past, industry leaders have shared the value of  mentors helping evaluate career opportunities; the importance of learning about the company and industry not just the elements of a job; and the rewards gained from engaged with peers, team members and the community – who can open a door or make a connection can come from anywhere; and how to plan from job one to have economic viability over a lifetime. At the end of the day, top performers are recognized for their outstanding work and presentation outcomes.

ICUNJ is grateful for the outstanding support it has received from PSEG. Thanks to their generosity, ICUNJ has been able to fund independent student research each year. Grant funding and donor generosity offsets expenses allowing the majority of funding to go to student research. 

Each year, ICUNJ recruits judges from across industries employing STEM majors. The time commitment is not a heavy lift requiring time to review the abstracts in advance and a day out of the office to conduct the interviews but the impressions left from the day are lasting. Join us.