VSU Students Showcase Research at NCUR

VALDOSTA — Nine Valdosta State University students recently stepped into the national spotlight and presented their original research at the 2026 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in Richmond, Virginia.

Dr. Anne Price, professor of sociology and experiential learning leader at VSU, said that being selected to participate in this three-day event is a significant achievement.

A Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR) initiative, NCUR provides students with an opportunity to share their work alongside peers from colleges and universities across the United States, while also engaging with faculty, researchers, and professionals from a wide range of academic disciplines, Price shared.

Every Discovery Starts Somewhere

The road to NCUR began long before this group of VSU students stepped up to the podium. It started with curiosity, a simple question or classroom discussion, an unexpected observation, a brainstorming session, a community need, or maybe a desire to better understand the world or improve the lives of others.

With guidance from faculty mentors, these students turned that curiosity into innovation. Months of inquiry, collaboration, and perseverance led each emerging scholar to develop projects that challenged them to think critically, solve complex problems, and contribute new knowledge within their academic discipline.

Their NCUR presentations sparked thoughtful conversations with other conference attendees, who asked questions, shared unique perspectives, and offered valuable feedback that further enriched the research experience. 

Fiona Brightman presented “Carotenoid Extraction from Spinach Using Deep Eutectic Solvents,” an extension of research she initiated during VSU’s 2024 Blazer Summer Research Institute.  Her faculty mentors were Dr. Gopeekrishnan Sreenilayam and Dr. Alexandrina Ligia Focsan from the Department of Chemistry.

Shatavia Harris, Clarissa Mallory, and Ashley Jones presented “From Ideas to Action: Interdisciplinary Student Leadership and Community Engagement in Practice Through SWAP.” Their faculty mentor was Dr. Arrington Stoll, assistant professor of communication.

Jones also presented “The Haven Partnered with Valdosta State University’s Communication Arts Capstone Class.” For this solo project, her faculty mentor was Dr. Chia-Ling Ho, associate professor of communication.

Diya Modi presented “Does Childhood Financial Instability Influence Financial Solvency in Adulthood?” Her faculty mentor was Dr. Murshed Jahan from the Department of Economics and Finance.

Sidney Wilson presented “Growing Up Working: Impression Management and Motivation in High-Achieving Generation Z Students,” a project she initiated during VSU’s 2025 Blazer Summer Research Institute. Her faculty mentor was Dr. Ellis Logan from the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice.

Alexis Gonzalez presented “Key Predictors in ICE Arrests in 2025.” Her faculty mentor was Dr. James LaPlant, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and professor of political science.

Oscar Shute presented “Lincoln’s Folly: Cherokee Succession, Diplomatic Failure, and Human Tragedy: Why John Ross and the Cherokee Nation Sided with the South.” His faculty mentor was Dr. John Dunn, professor of history.

Colter Leasure presented “An Examination of Retirement Plans Across Universities in the United States.” His faculty mentor was Dr. Sanjay Gupta, professor of accounting. 

Each student received a $600 experiential learning grant. Conference registration fees were paid for by their college deans.  

When asked how NCUR impacted them, the students shared how the experience strengthened their presentation and communication skills and expanded their professional networks. It exposed them to innovative research and inspired new ideas for future research as well as academic, career, and personal goals.

Faculty Leadership Extends Beyond the Classroom

Several VSU faculty members hold leadership roles with the Council on Undergraduate Research. Through their service, they help shape national conversations about undergraduate research, share effective mentoring practices, and strengthen opportunities for students and faculty at colleges and universities across the country.

Price is a CUR Social Science Division councilor. During the 2025-2026 academic year, she also served on the CUR Task Force on Undergraduate Research in the Online Environment, studying best practices and co-authoring and white paper.

Ho and Stoll are representatives in the Arts and Humanities Division.

Dr. Ansul Lokdarshi, plant molecular biochemist at VSU, is a representative in the Biology Division.

Jamie Gilbert, an instructor of communication, is an Arts and Humanities Division councilor.

LaPlant served as 2025-2026 president of the national organization. Since joining CUR in 2001, he has held various leadership roles, including chair of the Social Science Division and editor of the Scholarship and Practice of Undergraduate Research (SPUR) Journal. 

Along with Price, Dr. Kelly Davidson accompanied the VSU students attending NCUR. She serves as interim head of the Department of History and Interdisciplinary Studies. She led the university’s 2026 Undergraduate Research Symposium, which provides students with an on-campus platform for gaining experience presenting research.    

“NCUR was an event where VSU made a resounding statement this year, both in terms of our largest contingent of accepted presenters in university history and in our faculty's leadership within the national structure of the Council on Undergraduate Research,” Price shared.

“This student contingent reflected the outstanding quality of experiential learning that occurs on our campus. It was clear that, guided by dedicated faculty mentors, our students produce work that is recognized as the best around the country and shines on a national stage.

“At VSU, we are committed to innovative experiential learning opportunities at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. These experiences enhance our students' career readiness, contributing to a stronger workforce at the regional level and beyond. I served as an abstract reviewer for NCUR this year, reviewing a small portion of the thousands of abstracts received, so I can speak to the depth, rigor, and disciplinary diversity of student research at this event. It was really an honor for our VSU students to be part of such a talented group of college students from across the nation."