On April 18, Case Western Reserve University’s undergraduate research symposium, Intersections, was held in the Veale Convocation, Recreation and Athletic Center. Students across disciplines presented faculty-mentored research, including Senior Capstone projects, to attendees.
Intersections, which is held thrice a year—April, August and December—highlights the “diverse and interdisciplinary work of CWRU undergraduates across the arts, humanities, engineering, life sciences, physical sciences, and social sciences.” This year’s Intersections was the largest yet, showcasing the work of over 800 undergraduate students through 502 research posters.
The event began with a few words from Sheila Pedigo, director of undergraduate research, who congratulated attendees on the presentation of their research. “Intersections is a great place for students, faculty, staff, and our wider community to learn about the breadth of research and depth of involvement and passion of many of our researchers,” Pedigo said in a comment to The Observer. “They continue to give me hope for our future, and I hear this from many others who attend and hear their presentations.”
Also in attendance was Vice President of Student Affairs Travis Apgar, who noted that this was his first time attending Intersections. “Events like Intersections are a powerful reminder of the impact that hands-on, faculty-mentored research can have on a student’s academic and personal growth,” Apgar said in a comment to The Observer. “Each presentation reflected both intellectual rigor and a genuine passion for discovery and problem-solving … I left the event feeling incredibly proud for the participants and optimistic about the future. CWRU students are already making an impact—and I can’t wait to see where their ideas take them next.”
Due to restrictions on the Undergraduate Research Office’s finances, the food for Intersections judges, student workers and presenters was sponsored by Discussions, CWRU’s undergraduate research journal. Editor-in-Chief of Discussions Aryahi Deorukhkar expressed her organization’s dedication to promoting undergraduate research and the accessibility of student publications. “This event is not only a valuable opportunity to showcase student research published in our journals, but it also allows us to connect with a wide range of emerging research and promote submissions to our publication,” she said. “Since we accept research from all disciplines, Intersections is a great opportunity to engage with the diverse and interdisciplinary research happening at CWRU.”
Although Discussions runs a table at Intersections every year, Deorukhkar noted the importance of Discussions’ presence at the event this year. She said, “With current changes in research funding, we may see a rise in independent research, which is no less valuable and equally deserving of recognition. We hope that Discussions can sustain meaningful academic dialogue and continue to foster an environment for intellectual curiosity.”
Student presenters cited Intersections as an opportunity to grow as researchers and connect with the campus community. Ashwin Menon, a fourth-year student studying mechanical engineering and material science, said, “Intersections was a great chance to exhibit the work I put into my project this semester and to chat with members of the community. I received some valuable advice and suggestions from various professors and students, which I will be incorporating into my project.”
Mahi Tomar, fourth-year biomedical engineering student, echoed Menon’s sentiment, adding that she was happy to experience her classmates’ research projects and Senior Capstones. “It was cool to see different types of projects, because there are so many different disciplines represented at Intersections, not just my own field or my own discipline,” she said.
The next Intersections is scheduled for July 31 and will feature undergraduate student research that has continued into the summer months.