Twelve students from Eastern Connecticut State University presented at the recent Northeast regional undergraduate research conference sponsored by the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC). The conference took place from Oct. 23–24 at Ramapo College of New Jersey. The work of 15 Eastern students was showcased in total, making Eastern among the top participating schools for participation at the conference. Presentations included poster and oral presentations of research, as well as creative activity such as performances and creative writing.

Sabreena Croteau, a political science and history double major, presented “Democratic Elections in the American States: A Case for Reform.” “I was excited to present the findings of a paper I had been working on since last January,” she said,” especially at a prestigious interdisciplinary conference. It was great experience to develop my professional skills as a presenter.”

Erin Drouin, another political science major, presented “An Analysis of Traditional Media Coverage of Sexual Assault on College Campuses.” “This is going to look good on my graduate school applications,” said Drouin. “The fact that Eastern has such an emphasis on undergraduate research is going to set me apart from other applicants and I’m really happy the school has given me this opportunity.”

Students at COPLAC institutions have the opportunity to present the results of their undergraduate research at regional conferences throughout the United States, where they can meet and discuss their work with peers and faculty members. Undergraduate research projects span academic disciplines and afford students the prospect of intellectual engagement beyond the formal classroom setting. Outstanding projects are featured in COPLAC’s online research journal “Metamorphosis.”