MassURC Info Session Highlights Benefits of Presenting at Conference

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Over 70 faculty and undergraduate students met virtually Tuesday, November 29th, to attend the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference (MassURC) 2023 Info Session. In this session, students were able to hear from three fellow students, conference assistants Anisha Prathi ‘25, Annika Berlin ‘24, and Ava Fiorino ‘24, about the research conference.

What is MassURC?

Berlin explained that the annual MassURC brings together undergraduate students from the twenty-eight public colleges and universities across the Commonwealth to share knowledge and learn from fellow students. The all-day research conference will be held on April 28, 2023, from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., giving attendees the opportunity to both present their research and also learn from several different presenters during the many sessions over the course of the day.

Fiorino talked about the virtual format of this year's MassURC. The 2023 conference will continue to be virtual and held through the MassURC Hub, replicating its success from last year’s conference and opening accessibility for students all across the state to present.

Why apply to MassURC?

Prathi went over reasons why students decide to present research at the MassURC. She explained that as an annual research conference, MassURC offers a great opportunity to undergraduate researchers and their faculty sponsors to showcase unique findings and highlights of their research experience. Simply presenting your ideas in a brief and concise manner is a skill applicable to any career.

Additionally, presenting at MassURC gives participants the transformative, relevant experience, allowing presenters to be immersed with other students and faculty in and out of your field of study.

Due to the immersion, Prathi said, it is also a networking opportunity to get to know other relevant researchers across the state. It never hurts to know more people in your field.

How to apply to MassURC?

Before taking questions, Berlin talked about the application process for MassURC. She pointed out numerous resources for students interested in the conference, especially on the conference website — which includes a directory of Campus Contacts, resources for presenters, and more information about the application process and conference. The info session concluded with a Q&A session between the student facilitators and the audience.

If you have any questions, stop by the Bloom Honors Advising Center or visit MassURC’s Youtube Page for the Info Session Recording itself and other helpful videos. The MassURC Portal is open as of December 2, 2022, and you can begin your application to the conference there.