#United States #Robotic Arm #Eastern Michigan University #Ypsilanti #Undergraduate Symposium

Eastern Michigan University's 45th Undergraduate Symposium

Eastern Michigan University (EMU) is all set to hold its 45th Undergraduate Symposium on March 28, offering a grand platform for students to exhibit their research prowess and creative artistry. The event is slated to kick off at 9 a.m. in the Student Center, located at 900 Oakwood St., Ypsilanti.

This annual symposium, organized by the College of Arts and Sciences, is a much-anticipated event that encourages students to present their scholarly work to the EMU community. This year's participants will showcase an impressive 240 research projects spanning a diverse array of mediums, including 121 oral presentations and 90 poster presentations. Attendees can also look forward to engaging performances, along with the Crossing Lines Design Expo, a design-based gallery that highlights innovative student designs.

One remarkable project to be featured comes from a team of students in the School of Engineering—Ian Eells, Jack Capper, Kendel Taylor, and Rob Reid—who have ingeniously developed an affordable robotic arm aimed at assisting individuals in living more independently. This groundbreaking initiative intends to significantly improve the daily lives of millions of people affected by disabilities, offering a simple yet effective means of enhancing personal autonomy. This innovative project will be displayed at the Crossing Lines Design Expo in Room 300 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

"Each year, the Undergraduate Symposium serves as an incredible opportunity for our students to present their research and creative endeavors in a professional atmosphere," stated Harriet Lindsay, the symposium event chair and a professor of chemistry at EMU. She emphasized that the event underscores the university's commitment to academic excellence and its support for meaningful faculty-student mentorship.

This unique symposium facilitates students from various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural and physical sciences, as well as performance and design projects, to showcase their academic achievements. Students can partake in the symposium through oral or poster presentations, or as contributors to the Crossing Lines Design Expo, showcasing the outcomes of design-oriented projects.

Additionally, this year's symposium has the distinction of featuring the undergraduate work of students enrolled in the College in Prison Program, a significant initiative that provides incarcerated individuals the chance to pursue their bachelor's degrees through EMU.

The keynote address for this year’s symposium will be delivered by Nino C. Monea, an EMU alumnus and a professor at Stetson University College of Law. Alongside his academic duties, Professor Monea also serves as a trial defense attorney in the U.S. Army Reserves, bringing a wealth of expertise in political science, economics, and military law to the table. Attendees can look forward to his insights during the Symposium Luncheon, which commences at noon.

For decades, this symposium has been a pillar of EMU's dedication to academic excellence and experiential learning. Not only does it provide students with a prestigious forum to present their work, but it also cultivates an environment that encourages scholarly inquiry, innovation, and creativity. Participation in such an event allows students to hone their communication skills, engage in meaningful academic discussions, and gear up for future research or professional pursuits.

To find out more details regarding the 2025 Undergraduate Symposium, including nomination deadlines and further information about the event, please visit the EMU Symposium website.