University of Findlay Students Present Research at National Conference of Undergraduate Research 2026

FINDLAY, Ohio — Students from University of Findlay recently participated in the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) 2026, held April 13–15 in Richmond, Virginia, joining more than 4,000 undergraduate scholars from across the country to present original research and creative work.

The annual conference is one of the largest undergraduate research events in the United States, with submissions reviewed and selected by faculty experts nationwide. Participation is reserved for projects that demonstrate a unique and meaningful contribution to a student’s academic discipline.

Six University of Findlay students presented accepted research spanning English, education, and biology:

• Sierra Kirby and Allison Diller: Effects of Phytoremediation on Horizontal Gene Transfer
• Dess Eisenhour: A Writing Center How-To: A Guide For Tutoring Creative Writing Students
• Isabella Angel: The Standards that Bind Us Together: A Model for Visibly Integrating State Standards Into a Year-Long Curriculum
• Kaitlyn Fisher: Filling in the Gap: An Evidence-Based 9^th Grade ELA Academic Writing Unit
• Z Skarupa: Cracked! An Investigation into Bone Fracture Patterns

For more than a decade, students in English and biology at the University of Findlay have consistently contributed to NCUR, reinforcing a long-standing tradition of undergraduate scholarship, mentorship, and experiential learning.

The University delegation was accompanied by faculty mentors Bethany Henderson-Dean, Ph.D., Sarah Fedirka, Ph.D., Nicole Diederich, Ph.D., and Justin Rheubert, M.S.

Henderson-Dean emphasized that undergraduate research plays a transformative role in student development and academic discovery.

“NCUR is a conference that highlights undergraduate research,” Henderson-Dean said. “While research in academic institutions is often associated with graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, undergraduate research represents a deeply transformative experience for students at earlier stages of their academic journey. It serves as a critical bridge between lecture-based instruction and real-world application, allowing students to connect knowledge with experiential learning.”

Henderson-Dean also commented on NCUR’s interdisciplinary environment, where students engage with a wide range of fields and perspectives in a single professional setting.

“The conference exposes students to a broad range of disciplines, perspectives, and methodologies, creating a holistic academic environment that extends beyond a single field of study,” she said. “Students are able to learn about areas such as film, psychology, art, and the sciences, all within the same professional setting.”

In addition to academic engagement, students benefited from cultural and social experiences throughout the conference, including visits to the Edgar Allan Poe Museum and St. John’s Church, where Patrick Henry delivered his famous “Give me liberty, or give me death” speech. The conference also featured a graduate school “Future Fair,” connecting students with programs from institutions nationwide.

“These interactions broaden students’ worldviews, challenge assumptions, and contribute to their personal and professional growth in ways that extend far beyond the research itself,” Henderson-Dean added.

“Our students represented the University of Findlay well,” said Fedirka. “They demonstrated a confidence and professionalism they will carry into graduate school and the workplace.”

Rheubert added that the experience reinforces the value and impact of undergraduate research at UF.

“Participation in NCUR provides students a means to share their work and network with professionals in their fields, opening new opportunities for their future outside of UF,” he said. “Our students are competing with, and outperforming, students globally.”

The University of Findlay continues to support undergraduate research opportunities that prepare students for graduate study, professional careers, and lifelong success.