More than 170 poster presentations and 40 oral talks filled the halls of Fort Lewis College on April 23 as students from across disciplines shared mentor-guided research, creative work and community-engaged projects during the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium.
The all-day event drew strong attendance from campus and community members and highlighted a central component of the Fort Lewis College experience: experiential learning that prepares students to investigate real-world questions and contribute to their fields.
From the Student Union Ballroom to classrooms across campus, students presented work spanning anthropology, biology, engineering, public health, art and design, and more.
“This is the why of what we do at Fort Lewis College,” said Christine Smith, Ph.D., Undergraduate Research Coordinator, noting the breadth and depth of student scholarship on display.
Projects reflected both local and global impact. Students examined topics such as renewable energy development in Southwest Colorado, water quality and access on the Navajo Nation, soil health in agricultural lands, and the effects of social systems on health and well-being. Others explored creative expression through art, design and storytelling or conducted laboratory research in genetics, microbiology and chemistry.
The symposium concluded with an awards gala recognizing student achievement and featuring presentations from two student scholars.
Baylor Goroski, a geosciences student, presented “Up From the Depths: How Studying Rocks in Greece Helps Us Understand Geologic Hazards,” connecting international fieldwork to broader questions about natural hazards.
Hannah Cloonan, an environment and sustainability student, shared research on “Agricultural Land Access in Southwest Colorado,” highlighting regional challenges related to land use and food systems.
Multiple students were recognized with Scholar of the Year honors, reflecting excellence across disciplines.
Smith, who has led the symposium for the past four years, was also recognized for her role in organizing and growing the program.
“Students are expanding the boundaries of knowledge as investigators, innovators and creators,” Smith said. “This is an opportunity to celebrate their work and the impact of experiential learning across campus.”
The symposium continues to grow each year, offering students the opportunity to share their work, engage with peers and faculty mentors, and contribute to conversations that extend beyond the classroom.