Liberal Arts

Research Beyond the Silos: Discovery Symposium Showcases a Year of Interdisciplinary Ideas

May 9, 2026

On May 8, 2026, Undergraduate Scholars and Graduate Fellows from 58 unique departments convened to showcase their research at the Discovery Hubs Symposium. The event served as the conclusion to the 2025-26 Discovery Hubs, an initiative designed to connect undergraduates with mentored research opportunities. For each of the 37 projects on display, students had the option to share their findings as an oral, table top, or poster presentation.

Early Access to High-Impact Research

For Smriti Rajan, a poster presentation was the...

Eco-friendly marketing strategies for Gen Z

Amrita’s team designed strategies to market eco-friendly products to Gen Z and millennial consumers.

Innovating reproductive healthcare design

Grace Schimmel Still Cut

Grace's thesis explores future reproductive healthcare for women through the built environment.

Artistic permissions and cultural exchange

Helen Pinto Screenshot

Helen is researching images and image use permission of works by Neapolitan artist Jusepe de Ribera.

Environmental justice through documentary film

Jed Lee’s first documentary highlights the Richmond Greenway's community revitalization.

Pursuing research for policy change

Laura Rambo studies the economic impact of 1980s-90s rural prison construction.

From biology to anthropology

Nika developed a passion for historical collections in a freshman seminar at the Hearst Museum.

Supporting first-gen students through NavCal

Mac is in an office meeting with University members.

As a transfer and re-entry student, Mac started a new campus program (NavCal) to support first gen students.

Uncovering the legacy of Black Wall Street

Ockemia Bean's historical research on Black Wall Street

Ockemia's research on Black Wall Street explores perceptions of black wealth.

Fostering community with service and education

Rosa and Pablo co-founded an Alternative Spring Break community project and DeCal on Puerto Rico.