Creighton University recently selected five undergraduate student researchers to send to the third annual Big East Research Symposium.
At the symposium on March 16, these five will present their research in disciplines beyond the sciences, including the humanities and even business. Representing Creighton as a team of research scholars, they will compete against student researcher teams from 10 other Big East schools by presenting their project to a panel of judges who will grade them on various aspects of their project, including presentation skill, ability to answer questions and the discussion of their results.
The students’ airfare, transportation and tickets to the Big East Men’s Basketball Championship Game will be paid for. The symposium winner will be recognized at the championship game and receive medals.
Cleo Zagurski, a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences, will present her case study on a national trend of declining healthcare access for those part of the LGBTQIA+ community, specifically analyzing the Nebraska Women’s Bill of Rights.
“I was honestly shocked because there aren’t a lot of junior students selected. And so that was really exciting,” Zagurski said.“I didn’t necessarily think I was gonna get it, since there were quite a few political science majors who submitted posters this year, and I knew that even though my project isn’t necessarily political science, it is definitely policy based. I texted my dad, like, ‘OMG, I’m going to New York!’”
For Ava Szatsmary, a recently-graduated senior from the College of Arts and Sciences who will be presenting her cultural psychology research project on resources and wealth distribution in Namibia, this will be her first time in New York City. She described her plans beyond presenting at the symposium.
“Well, I know we’re going for St. Patrick’s Day weekend, and I’ve been told they like to go all out for St. Patrick’s Day. I think they have a really big parade, which would be cool. And I want to sightsee a little bit, but then also, it’ll be really fun to go to the men’s game, and hopefully they do well,” Szatsmary said. “After their win this week, that would be really exciting for them to get themselves out there. So, I’m really excited for all aspects of it really. And the food. Obviously, I want to try New York pizza.”
Grace Jaworski, a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences who intends to pursue a Ph.D. in genetics, will present her research on two proteins that aid in DNA condensation. Looking back on her time as an undergraduate, she emphasized how Creighton has been essential to opening doors in her pursuit of the sciences.
“I’m very proud to go and represent Creighton. I feel like I’ve been given so much here at this university. The undergraduate research opportunities, I believe, are unmatched. And I feel like because of what Creighton has given me, I’ve been able to flourish and now I’m able to apply to PhD programs, which is beyond my wildest dreams,” Jaworski said. “I feel like it’s a small thank you to everyone who got me up here.”
College of Arts and Sciences seniors Connor Price and Kate Hessman will also present their research at the symposium.