Recently, MCLA hosted the Northeast Regional Undergraduate Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity (URSCA) Conference from October 15–26, 2024.
Organized as part of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) initiative, the event welcomed students from six regional public liberal arts colleges and provided students with an invaluable opportunity to present their research and creative projects, fostering an environment of collaboration and intellectual exchange.
For students across various disciplines of study, the event served as a chance to engage with both academic and artistic work, building their skills in communication, presentation, and scholarly dialogue.
The URSCA conference exemplified the value of a liberal arts education in nurturing interdisciplinary exploration. Throughout the event, students presented on a range of topics, from environmental science to social issues, the humanities, and the arts, underscoring the diversity and depth of inquiry characteristic of COPLAC institutions.
MCLA President James Birge praised the conference for its ability to bring students and faculty together, creating a “supportive venue” for sharing insights and building connections across campuses. According to Birge, the event is not only about showcasing achievements but also about providing a meaningful platform for students to engage with challenging topics and collaborate in ways that extend their learning.
Several presentations tackled timely, socially relevant issues, reflecting the role of COPLAC institutions in fostering socially conscious scholarship. For example, a project from Eastern Connecticut State University investigated the presence of toxic PFAS chemicals in public drinking water using a technique known as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. By applying this innovative method, the project demonstrated the effectiveness of early detection for harmful chemicals, showing the importance of environmental research and public health advocacy.
Another research project explored American gun culture and its impact on mass shootings, providing a thought-provoking analysis of the social and legislative factors influencing gun violence in the United States. These presentations exemplified the conference’s dedication to addressing complex social issues through academic inquiry.
In addition to traditional research projects, the conference showcased creative works that combined personal expression with scholarly exploration. One MCLA student presented “(Fe)Male,” a multimedia art project symbolizing their personal journey transitioning from female to male. Through metalworking, the artist explored themes of identity and transformation, presenting a powerful visual narrative that resonated with the audience.
Another student from MCLA presented “Queens,” a photographic series capturing queer men as they reflected on femininity and self-expression, a project that underscored the relationship between art and identity. These creative projects highlighted the role of the arts in fostering deeper understanding and promoting discussions around identity and social dynamics.
Faculty mentors and academic support staff from MCLA played a pivotal role in supporting students throughout the event. Faculty members from the Writing Studio, Trailblazer Tutor Center, and Math Help Drop-in Center were on hand to guide students in refining their presentations, offering expertise that helped students communicate their ideas effectively.
This collaborative approach not only enhanced the academic quality of the presentations but also gave students the confidence to present complex ideas to an audience. The faculty’s involvement emphasized the importance of mentorship in fostering academic growth and the value of collaborative learning in a liberal arts setting.
The conference also featured social and interactive elements that encouraged networking and community building among attendees. Dedicated networking sessions allowed students to discuss their work informally, fostering connections with peers from other institutions who shared similar academic interests. This aspect of the conference added a social layer to the academic presentations, creating a space for interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration beyond the classroom.
A significant part of the conference was the visual arts segment, where students displayed artwork and shared insights into their creative processes.
From sculptures and paintings to multimedia installations, these pieces allowed attendees to experience the intersection of art and academia. This segment of the event highlighted COPLAC’s commitment to integrating creativity with scholarly pursuits, emphasizing that liberal arts education supports both analytical and artistic development.
The Northeast URSCA conference at MCLA was widely praised for its impact on students and faculty alike. It reinforced the idea that a liberal arts education can foster intellectual growth, social awareness, and creative expression. Students left the conference not only having showcased their research and creative projects but also having engaged deeply with topics of significant social relevance.
The success of this event reflected MCLA’s dedication to supporting undergraduate research, preparing students for future academic and professional success, and inspiring them to contribute thoughtfully to their fields and communities.
The URSCA conference at MCLA demonstrated the core values of liberal arts education: encouraging intellectual curiosity, promoting collaboration, and providing a platform for students to develop a holistic understanding of their fields. The event highlighted the role of COPLAC institutions in nurturing well-rounded scholars and creators equipped to address real-world issues.
Through interdisciplinary projects, mentorship, and community engagement, MCLA and COPLAC showed their commitment to empowering students as they pursue their academic and personal goals.
