Showcasing Undergraduate Excellence: A Deep Dive into the Butler University Undergraduate Research Conference

The Butler University Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) stands as a testament to the power of undergraduate involvement in research. Founded in 1989, the URC has grown from a regional event to a conference that attracts participants from across the nation, showcasing the diverse and impactful research conducted by undergraduate students.

The Genesis of the URC: Fostering a Culture of Inquiry

The Butler Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) was established in 1989 by Professor Emeritus Jim Berry. Berry's vision was clear: "to encourage undergraduate students to become involved in research." He firmly believed that "the best way to teach science is by actually doing science." This philosophy became the cornerstone of the URC, shaping its mission and guiding its development over the years.

A Quarter-Century of Growth and Expansion

In its inaugural year, the URC hosted 171 participants from Indiana, representing five disciplines: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, and Social Science. Over the years, the conference has experienced remarkable growth, now featuring presentations in 25 disciplines. This expansion reflects the increasing recognition of the value of undergraduate research across a wide range of academic fields.

Under the guidance of Charlesworth, the URC has added research roundtables. These roundtables provide a platform for students who are just beginning their research projects to share their plans with experienced professionals and receive valuable feedback. A competitive-paper division has also been added, further enhancing the academic rigor of the conference.

A Diverse Tapestry of Research Topics

The URC showcases a wide array of research topics, reflecting the diverse interests and intellectual curiosity of undergraduate students. This year's conference features presentations on subjects as varied as “Manufacturing: An Uncertain Future,” “Beyond Godzilla: Reflections of National Identity in Japanese Horror Films,” and “Can You Outsmart the ImPACT Test?". Such diversity highlights the interdisciplinary nature of undergraduate research and its relevance to a wide range of contemporary issues.

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Celebrating Milestones and Inspiring Future Generations

The URC not only provides a platform for students to present their research but also serves as a celebration of the contributions of those who have shaped its history. Berry, the founder of the URC, will be recognized at the luncheon. Major Matthew Riley ’01 will deliver the keynote address, sharing his insights and experiences with the next generation of researchers.

The URC as a Stepping Stone to National Recognition

Berry, in an interview with The Butler Collegian in 1995, described the conference as “a district version of the big national conferences you always hear about." Indeed, the URC serves as an excellent preparation for students who aspire to present their research at larger national and international conferences.

Expanding Horizons: Undergraduate Research Journals

For undergraduates looking to disseminate their work more broadly, numerous undergraduate research journals provide a valuable platform for publication. These journals, often peer-reviewed and student-run, offer opportunities to share research findings with a wider audience and gain experience in the publication process. Here's a glimpse into some of these journals:

1763: The Palmetto Journal (Winthrop University): This open-access, online, peer-reviewed journal welcomes submissions from undergraduates in any university, focusing on media and popular culture.
1890: A Journal of Undergraduate Research (University of Central Oklahoma): This interdisciplinary journal accepts research, scholarly articles, creative writing, artwork, and photography from undergraduate students across all universities.
Academic Leadership Journal in Student Research (Fort Hays State University): This open-access, annual, online, peer-reviewed, international journal publishes student research (undergraduate and graduate) across all disciplines and pedagogically based professional work exploring the intersection of student research with teaching and faculty research.
Advanced Journal of Graduate Research: This peer-reviewed, open-access journal publishes mentored research by Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students across all academic disciplines. Submissions must be made by the supervising faculty, with both the student and the supervisor listed as co-authors.
Afkar: The Undergraduate Journal of Middle East Studies: This academic journal focuses on the study of politics, history, culture, and society in the Middle East and North Africa.
Al Noor (Boston College): This Middle Eastern Studies journal, run entirely by undergraduates at BC, features work from around the world and is issued twice a year.
Aleph: UCLA Undergraduate Research Journal for Humanities and Social Sciences (UCLA): This journal publishes undergraduate research in the humanities, social sciences, and behavioral sciences.
Aletheia-The Alpha Chi Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship (Alpha Chi National College Honor Society): This journal presents undergraduates with an opportunity to disseminate online their empirical research, critical literary analysis, policy analysis, or artistic endeavors to a wider audience.
Alpenglow (Binghamton University): This journal showcases and acknowledges the broad spectrum and quality of undergraduate student research, scholarly investigation, and creative work at Binghamton University.
American Journal of Undergraduate Research: This national, independent, peer-reviewed, open-source, no-cost-to-authors, quarterly, multidisciplinary student research journal is indexed.
Americana (University of Notre Dame): This is the undergraduate research journal from the University of Notre Dame’s Dept of American Studies.
Animus: The Undergraduate Classical Journal of the University of Chicago: This journal publishes outstanding original work in the Classics and related fields.
Anthos (Portland State University): This multidisciplinary academic journal is published by the Honors College of Portland State University.
Apollon (Fairfield University): This journal strives to take advantage of the unique opportunity of venturing into the digital humanities by engaging with image, text, sound, video, and a variety of presentation platforms in the process of showcasing the many species of undergraduate research.
ARCHIVE: An Undergraduate Journal of History (University of Wisconsin-Madison): This award-winning journal of history is published annually by undergraduate history majors.
Aresty Rutgers Undergraduate Research Journal (Rutgers University): This interdisciplinary, undergraduate-run research journal accepts submissions exclusively from Rutgers University undergraduate students.
Armstrong Undergraduate Journal of History (Armstrong State University): This online journal is edited and produced by undergraduate students at Armstrong State University.
Arsenal Undergraduate Research Journal (Augusta University): This is a peer-reviewed, open access, interdisciplinary journal for undergraduate research conducted at Augusta University.
Auctus (Virginia Commonwealth University): This journal is designed to highlight the various forms of research taking place at Virginia Commonwealth University.
AUJUS: Auburn University Journal of Undergraduate Scholarship (Auburn University): This is a faculty-refereed publication that showcases the research and scholarly accomplishments of Auburn University undergraduate students from any discipline.
Baghdad Journal of Biochemistry and Applied Biological Sciences (Al- Nahrain University): Biochemistry and Applied Biological research journal
Barnard/Columbia Urban Review (Columbia University): Founded in 2020, this is the first undergraduate urban studies journal in the United States.
Berkeley Economic Review (University of California, Berkeley): This annual journal is Berkeley’s premiere undergraduate student-run economics journal.
Berkeley Undergraduate Journal of Classics (University of California, Berkeley): This journal is committed to the progress and proliferation of scholarship in the field of Classics.
Beyond-undergraduate research journal (Embry Riddle Aeronautical University): This peer-reviewed research publication features research manuscripts, literature reviews, and technical reports by undergraduate students.
Binghamton University Undergraduate Journal (Binghamton University): This journal showcases the broad spectrum and quality of undergraduate student research, scholarly investigation, and creative work at Binghamton University.
Bridges: An Undergraduate Journal of Contemporary Connections (Wilfred Laurier University): This journal offers a range of essays on broad, interdisciplinary subjects with a focus on contemporary issues and literature.
Bryant University Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies (Bryant University): This journal aims to promote undergraduate scholarly work that builds bridges between various disciplines.
Butler Journal of Undergraduate Research (Butler University): This journal publishes original, scholarly research undertaken by undergraduates from any college or university.
Caltech Undergraduate Research Journal (California Institute of Technology): This journal publishes the best undergraduate submissions from around the world in the form of scientific and featured articles.
Cambridge Journal of Political Affairs (University of Cambridge): This is an interdisciplinary publication produced by undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as alumni, of the University of Cambridge.

Note: It is important to verify publication fees and journal policies before submitting any work.

Beyond Butler: National and International Research Opportunities

Undergraduate research opportunities extend far beyond the Butler University URC. Numerous national and international conferences and programs provide platforms for students to showcase their work and connect with researchers from around the world.

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Conferences for Students of All Disciplines

Celebrating Research Week: University of Rochester Undergraduate Research Exposition: This College-wide event invites University of Rochester students at all levels and in all areas of study to present their investigative and creative work.
The Global Undergraduate Research Awards: This international competition allows students to submit a course paper to one of 25 categories and have their work judged by professional academics from the world's top universities. Awardees present at the Global Undergraduate Summit in Dublin, Ireland.
National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR): This conference promotes undergraduate research, scholarship, and creative activity in all fields of study.
The National Collegiate Research Conference (NCRC) at Harvard: This conference provides a platform for undergraduates from across the nation to share their interest in research.
Stanford Undergraduate Research Association Conference (SRC): This multidisciplinary forum allows undergraduates from around the world to present their work and connect with researchers.
Texas Tech Undergraduate Research Conference (URC): This interdisciplinary undergraduate research conference features poster and oral presentations, artistic performances, and visual art exhibits.

Conferences for Humanities Students

Humanities Education and Research Association (HERA) Conference: This organization promotes the worldwide study, teaching, and understanding of the humanities across a range of disciplines.
Meaningful Play Conference: This conference brings together academics, game designers, and educators to explore how games and play can change people’s lives.
National Undergraduate Literature Conference (NULC): This conference brings together undergraduate writers and poets to present their work and learn from contemporary writers.
Undergraduate Research Conference in German Studies: This conference gives students the opportunity to present their research in all German-related fields.
World Congress of Philosophy: This global meeting of philosophers is held every five years to contribute to the development of professional relations between philosophers of all countries, promote philosophical education, and contribute to the impact of philosophical knowledge on global problems.

Conferences for STEM Students

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Annual Meeting: This meeting brings together scientists, engineers, educators, policymakers, and journalists to discuss recent developments in science and technology.
American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting: This is the largest gathering of Earth and space scientists in the world.
American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Annual Student Conference: This conference includes career information, social events, competitions, and fun for student engineers.
Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) Annual Conference: This meeting hosts scientific presentations, a Career Fair, and sessions of networking and career development for biomedical engineers and bioengineers.
Gulf Coast Undergraduate Research Symposium: This symposium provides current undergraduates the opportunity to present their original STEM research discoveries to scholars from around the world.
IEEE MIT Undergraduate Research Technology Conference: This conference brings together undergraduates from around the world to present, discuss, and develop solutions to advance technology for humanity.
Rochester Symposium for Physics Students (RSPS): This regional undergraduate research conference is held each year.
Society for Neuroscience (SfN): This is the largest gathering of neuroscientists in the world.
Student Research Presentation Opportunities with Sigma Xi: Sigma Xi offers opportunities for outstanding undergraduate students to share their research through both traditional poster presentations and virtual multimedia presentations.

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