Marshall at the 23rd West Virginia Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol

The 23rd annual West Virginia Undergraduate Research Day at the Capitol (URDC), sponsored by Marshall University, West Virginia State University, West Virginia University and the University of Charleston, offered undergraduate students the opportunity to share their work directly with legislators, higher-education leaders and the public.

According to the 2026 Abstract Book, a total of 121 approved abstracts were accepted for presentation statewide. Of these, 32 abstracts were authored by Marshall University students, reflecting strong institutional representation across STEM, health sciences, the arts and social sciences.

The event’s keynote address was presented by Dr. Lonnie G. Thompson, Distinguished University Professor at The Ohio State University and a Marshall University alumnus. Thompson is internationally renowned for his pioneering ice-core paleoclimatology research, which has reshaped scientific understanding of climate change. His decades of fieldwork on tropical and subtropical glaciers, coupled with more than 245 peer‑reviewed publications and numerous prestigious honors, positioned him as an inspiring voice for the value of scientific inquiry and undergraduate research.

The event’s steering committee included Dr. Holly Cyphert, College of Science and Dr. Ross Salary, College of Engineering and Computer Sciences.

Additional information about this event is located here.

Photos of all posters are available et:

https://westvirginialegislature.zenfolio.com/p28837169