SURCA research showcase applications open for undergraduates through Feb. 18

Applications are open now for all Washington State University undergraduates wanting to share their mentored research at the Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (SURCA) 2025 on March 24 at WSU Pullman.

Applications will close Feb. 18, 2025.

"At the most recent SURCA this past spring, 256 students from the six WSU campuses presented 206 posters, and we plan to welcome at SURCA 2025 as many or more to talk about their research, scholarship, and creative activities, which is collectively termed 'research,'" said Jeremy Lessmann, director of the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR). OUR is the SURCA host.

Over the years, the SURCA event has become a WSU tradition. For more than a decade, students from all majors and years in college, and from all campuses, have shared their research across nine categories. Volunteer judges use a rubric to score student presentations and posters, and provide written feedback.

Those with top scores receive recognition and awards that day. At SURCA 2024, 49 awards totaled $10,900.

Presenters may be individuals or groups of students who worked on a project with a faculty mentor. Most projects are presented in person at the CUB senior ballroom, but virtual presentations are possible. Each researcher's mentor will be contacted to sign off on the proposed presentation.

Lessmann encourages all applicants to thoroughly examine the SURCA website and the application form, and to specially review participant information and guidelines. He also encourages students to start planning their poster as soon as they submit their application.

OUR will promptly answer questions about SURCA.