10th Annual Regional Undergraduate Student Research Conference (RUSRC)
April 6, 2024
8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
University of Delaware
Celebrating its 10th year of partnership, the Regional Undergraduate Student Research Conference (RUSRC) consortium invites abstract and proposal submissions for its annual interdisciplinary conference hosted this year by the University of Delaware. Originally conceptualized in 2010 at the University of Delaware, and partnering with Delaware State University in 2011, the conference provides a supportive venue for disseminating excellent research. Undergraduate students, particularly researchers from underrepresented groups, have presented work at partner mid-Atlantic institutions including Arcadia University, Delaware State University, Lincoln University and the University of Delaware.
Theme: Climate Change and Changing Climates Across Disciplines
This year’s theme invites presenters to consider the myriad of ways that social and environmental climate changes are impacting humanity. How is research, activism, and decision-making influenced by those concerned (or unconcerned) about the planet’s physical, philosophical, and political future? Global changes in weather and societies revolve around the interconnected narratives embedded in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. The urgent demands resulting from natural and human disasters call for complementary conversations emerging from the meaningful research conducted at our universities. Now more than ever, higher education needs learning environments that accommodate creative thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative engagement. Your undergraduate research is especially valuable to your peers who, like you, are curious to learn and know more about our rapidly and constantly changing world.
All disciplines, ideas, and projects are welcome.
Possible topics include, but are not limited to:
- The past, present, and future role of the humanities (literature, history, religion, the arts, philosophy, and others) in maintaining social stability when natural and/or human disaster occurs;
- The use of stories/narratives during social or climatological upheavals;
- How the natural sciences (chemistry, astronomy, earth science, physics, biology, agriculture, and others) help to unlock the mysteries of climate change;
- How the human body and/or societies are affected by changes in chemistry, astronomy, earth science, physics, biology, agriculture, etc.;
- What can be learned about human behavior during social or climatological upheaval, through the lens of the social sciences (anthropology, archaeology, economics, ethnic studies, geography, gender studies, politics, psychology, and sociology) and more….
Abstract/Proposal Submission Instructions
Abstract/proposal submissions for paper and poster presentations are limited to 250 words and due no later than February 26, 2024. Abstracts/proposals must be submitted with the support of a faculty member. The faculty member’s name and email address must be shared in the abstract/proposal submission form.
Students and faculty will receive notification of students’ invitation to present no later than March 11, 2024.
Details about poster formatting and speaker time limits will be shared upon acceptance. Attendance and participation are free to all presenters. Due to budget limitations, we are unable to cover travel and lodging expenses of presenters.
Awards will be presented to the top paper and poster presenters.
Contact information
For more information about the Regional Undergraduate Student Research Conference, please contact Regina Wright ([email protected]) or Kimberly Blockett ([email protected]).