Quincy University hosted its fourth annual Academic Symposium with live and virtual components this year. Twenty–six undergraduate students, with the support of eight mentors, shared their original research within their academic programs.

“Faculty-mentored research fosters life-long learning. The students showcased at the symposium will lead innovation and creation in their fields,” said Michelle Combs, Ph.D., coordinator of undergraduate research, associate professor of biology. “The Academic Symposium allows these leaders to teach and inspire us.”

A panel of judges selected winners according to established criteria. The first-place winners of the 2021 Academic Symposium include:

School of Business:

Marketing, Samuele Contestabile; mentor Jennifer Breeden, M.B.A.

Division of Humanities:

English, Jeremiah Baselice; mentor Michael Keller, Ph.D.

Division of Science and Technology:

Biology, Delaney Lantz and Sarah Nelson; mentor Kimberly Hale, Ph.D.

Chemistry, Charles Stuart; mentor Caitlin Deskins, Ph.D.

Computer Science, Meshawn Marshall; mentor Husam Ghazleh, Ph.D.

Division of Fine Arts and Communication:

Music, Christopher Barrett; mentor Christine Damm, D.M.A.

Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences:

Psychology, Alexia Ginter; mentor Kristina Mouzakis, Ph.D.

“Undergraduate research is an important element of academic excellence at QU,” said Teresa I. Reed, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs. “The Academic Symposium presenters and their faculty mentors lead by example.”

The Quincy University Academic Symposium is a showcase for student achievement across our liberal arts curriculum. Students engage in professional performance and discourse with experts in their field of study, as well as the greater community, to disseminate their work.

The Academic Symposium can be viewed entirely online at any time at https://www.quincy.edu/academic-symposium/.

Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University is celebrating 160 years as a small Catholic university emphasizing the sciences, liberal arts and the professions. Quincy University offers undergraduate, graduate and adult education programs integrating practical experience and Franciscan values. Faculty and advisors work with students to design customized success plans to help them graduate on time, find their passion and prepare them for life. QU is a member of NCAA Division II for intercollegiate athletics. For more information, please visit www.quincy.edu or contact the Office of Community Relations at (217) 228-5275 or communityrelations@quincy.edu. Quincy University. Success by Design.