EIU Media Relations

More Than 40 Students Presented Research Projects at National Conference

More than 40 Eastern Illinois University students presented their undergraduate research projects at the National Conferences on Undergraduate Research Thursday through Saturday in Lexington, Ky.

Throughout the conference, EIU students gave oral or poster presentations on a range of topics from mental illness to bioenergetics.

Richard England, dean of the honors college, said EIU has become a state leader in undergraduate research, and the university continues to make research a fundamental part of its mission.

“We are way ahead of the curve on undergraduate research compared to other state universities, particularly in our participation in NCUR,” he said. “Our students participate in a variety of enriching and challenging research projects and they a have a large presence at the NCUR conference.”

“I am very proud to be part of the EIU’s continuing dedication to undergraduate research,” he continued. “Our mentors are dedicated to empowering our students to complete research projects in their interests, and to grow as scholars.”

England said undergraduate research gives students the opportunity to show future employers they have the skills and the drive to take what they learned in the classroom, and to make their own discoveries in arts, humanities, sciences and applied disciplines.

“Research is not just sitting in the classroom,” England said. “Our students are using their skills to showcase their own ideas and thoughts.”

The conference also provided an opportunity for students to submit their research topics for publication, and they received input from professors across the country. Representatives from Eastern Illinois University have been attending the conference for the last seven years.