Marist College highlighted undergraduate research and creative work at the annual Celebration of Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (CURSCA) on May 5. The event featured over 100 student projects across fields such as advertising, fashion, Model UN, literature, psychology, science, and more.
The showcase allowed students to present their findings developed in close collaboration with faculty mentors. Organizers said this mentorship expanded opportunities for student growth. Dr. Cathy Mulzer ’11 served as keynote speaker and praised the dedication of Marist students while reflecting on her own career in research science. “Be HUMBLE; Be HUNGRY; And in doing so, you will make yourself and others around you HAPPY,” Mulzer told attendees.
Students from various schools within Marist presented their work. Samantha Bryceland ’27 examined diversity in children’s literature with Dr. Christina Wright Fields and said: “My research is the first step in helping future educators evaluate their own classroom libraries… Presenting my findings at CURSCA allowed me to spread awareness about the lack of diversity in today’s children’s literature to other teacher candidates.” Dan Brogen ’26 demonstrated a game controller he developed using Arduino technology integrated into Unreal Engine: “So to be able to experience this and show everyone that there is a very technical side to it is very important to me in being able to spread my major.” Aaliyah Layne ’26 discussed human capital accounting: “It’s really cool to see something that I’m interested in come to life in a presentation… My research will be published soon in the March-April edition of the CPA Journal.” Kate Krehel ’28 studied Bhutan’s environmental policies: “This is just such an incredible room full of so much space to grow and learn about so many different things.” Marilyn Mazurowski ’27 shared her artwork expressing political manipulation: “I hope in the future we can have other artworks be considered for this event.” Brooklyn Jones ’26 described researching wildlife populations on campus: “Having enough data… as well as how the project has come to fruition, has been really rewarding.”
CURSCA aims each year to foster connections between students and faculty through shared interests in research.
