MCLA to Hold Annual Undergraduate Research Conference| 10:07AM / Monday, April 21, 2025 | |
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will host its 23rd annual Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) on April 24. The conference is intended to acknowledge students' academic work.
This year's keynote speaker is MCLA alumnus Bentley S. Munsell '15, a registered nurse and nursing leader who advocates for social justice and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) in healthcare.
Munsell, who identifies as a queer, transgender man, has been involved in advocating for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in healthcare since 2016. He co-founded the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) DEIB committee, where he has directed outreach and implemented inclusive healthcare training programs. Munsell is currently the clinical nurse manager for SVMC’s ExpressCare and is pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing at Colby-Sawyer College.
The URC is described as an event that highlights MCLA's commitment to inquiry, exploration, and mentorship. The campus-wide event showcases undergraduate research and creative activity across various academic disciplines. Students collaborate with faculty sponsors to develop academic projects, which are presented through oral presentations, poster sessions, or performances.
The full-day event is scheduled to begin at 8:00 a.m. with iced coffee on the quad and conclude at 7:00 p.m. with a student performance. A poster session is planned for 11:00 a.m., and the keynote speaker and lunch are scheduled for noon. Further details regarding the event schedule and locations will be announced.
Students are expected to deliver 15-minute presentations, display posters, and present artistic works, with specialized sessions and performances throughout the day. Media representatives are invited to cover the event, attend presentations, and conduct interviews with students and faculty.
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