Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) is set to host its 45th Undergraduate Symposium on March 28 at the Student Center in Ypsilanti. The event, organized by the College of Arts and Sciences, will start at 9 a.m. and aims to provide a platform for students to present their research and creative projects.

The symposium will feature 240 project presentations, including 121 oral and 90 poster presentations. Various performances and the Crossing Lines Design Expo, a design-based gallery, will also be part of the event. Among the standout projects is an affordable robotic arm designed for assisted living by students Ian Eells, Jack Capper, Kendel Taylor, and Rob Reid from the School of Engineering. This project aims to enhance independence for individuals with disabilities and will be displayed at the Crossing Lines Design Expo in Room 300 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Harriet Lindsay, Symposium event chair and professor of chemistry at EMU, stated: "Each year, the Undergraduate Symposium provides students an opportunity to present their research and creative work in a professional setting.” She emphasized that it showcases "the University's commitment to academic excellence."

Students can present their work across various disciplines such as humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, physical sciences, performance arts, and design-based projects through different formats like oral or poster presentations or as part of the Crossing Lines Design Expo.

This year marks the first time that work from students enrolled in EMU's College in Prison Program will be featured. This program offers incarcerated students a chance to pursue a bachelor's degree.

The keynote speaker for this year's event is Nino C. Monea, an EMU alum who teaches at Stetson University College of Law and serves as a trial defense attorney in the U.S. Army Reserves. He will speak during the Symposium Luncheon starting at noon.

For decades, EMU's Undergraduate Symposium has been central to its commitment to academic excellence and experiential learning. It provides students with opportunities to present their work while fostering scholarly inquiry and innovation.

Former EMU presenter Joe Brown reflected on his experience: “My favorite part about participating in the Undergraduate Symposium was the student-tailored environment.”

Further details about the symposium can be found on the EMU Symposium website.

Eastern Michigan University was founded in 1849 and serves nearly 13,000 students across various programs. The university is recognized for its excellence in education and diversity.