Eastern Michigan University's 45th Undergraduate Symposium to showcase exceptional student research and creativity - March 28

Affordable robotic arm to aid people in assisted living among the many projects featured

YPSILANTI, Mich., March 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Eastern Michigan University will host the 45th Undergraduate Symposium beginning at 9 a.m. on Friday, March 28, at the Student Center, 900 Oakwood St. in Ypsilanti. Organized by the College of Arts and Sciences, the annual Symposium provides a platform for students to present their research and creative projects while engaging with the EMU community.

There will be 240 project presentations displayed in a wide range of mediums, including 121 oral and 90 poster presentations. The event will also showcase various performances and the Crossing Lines Design Expo, a unique design-based gallery. One of this year's standout projects comes from the School of Engineering, where students Ian Eells, Jack Capper, Kendel Taylor, and Rob Reid have developed an affordable robotic arm designed for assisted living. This project aims to significantly enhance the lives of millions of people affected by disabilities by providing a simple, cost-effective form of independence. It will be showcased at the Crossing Lines Design Expo in Room 300 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"Each year, the Undergraduate Symposium provides students an opportunity to present their research and creative work in a professional setting," said Harriet Lindsay, Symposium event chair, interim department head, and professor of chemistry at EMU. "It highlights the University's commitment to academic excellence, support of faculty-student mentorship relationships, and emphasis on experiential learning."

The Undergraduate Symposium allows students to showcase their work across various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, natural and physical sciences, and performance and design-based projects. Students may participate through oral presentations, poster presentations, or as part of the Crossing Lines Design Expo, an exhibit format that highlights the outcomes of design-focused projects.

For the first time, the Symposium will also feature the undergraduate work of students enrolled in the College in Prison Program, which provides incarcerated students the opportunity to pursue a bachelor's degree through Eastern Michigan University.

This year's keynote speaker is Nino C. Monea, an EMU alum who now teaches at Stetson University College of Law. Professor Monea also serves as a trial defense attorney in the U.S. Army Reserves and will share his expertise in political science, economics, and military law during the Symposium Luncheon, which begins at noon.

For decades, the symposium has been a cornerstone of EMU's commitment to academic excellence and experiential learning. The event provides students with a platform to present their work and fosters a culture of scholarly inquiry, creativity, and innovation. Through this experience, students can build critical communication skills, engage in meaningful academic discussions, and prepare for future research or professional endeavors.

For more information about the 2025 Undergraduate Symposium, including nomination deadlines and event details, visit the EMU Symposium website.

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SOURCE Eastern Michigan University