Oglethorpe University students recently demonstrated their scholarly drive and their growing professional skills through two major research presentation opportunities: the Georgia Undergraduate Research Conference (GURC) and Posters at the Georgia State Capitol.
These events offered students the chance not only to share their work publicly, but also to practice the essential skill of communicating complex ideas and make valuable connections with students and faculty from other institutions.
Held Nov. 7 at Emory University, the Georgia Undergraduate Research Conference brought together student scholars from across the state. This year, 22 Oglethorpe students presented their original research, representing a wide range of academic disciplines, including economics, theatre, English and comparative literature, biology, chemistry and physics.
The Oglethorpe students who participated in the conference include:
Ben Van Doorn, chemistry
Emily Menendez, chemistry
CJ Rona, chemistry
Jenny Lin, chemistry
Victoria Landa, chemistry
Daniel Leard, biology
Jordan Grey, physics
Emerson Brasfield, theatre
Zohra Jamil, biology
Maria Isabel Moraes Lanzelotti, theatre
Ari Lee, economics
Chloe P. White, chemistry
Caitlyn Conner, biology
Elena Vega, biology
Gracie Deas, chemistry
Vanessa Mejia Fragoso, chemistry
Nicolias Jordan, biology
Letty Hernandez, biology
Makenzie Pretelin, biology
Bella Kelly-Stewart, biology
Nico Sciarra, biology
Ivy Nganga, English and comparative literature
Most Oglethorpe participants delivered oral presentations, demonstrating both content mastery and poise in front of a professional audience. While many presenters were Honors students, others shared work developed through Course-embedded Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs)—hands-on research projects conducted as part of their coursework.
Beyond the academic value, the conference fostered meaningful personal and professional connections. Students spent the day networking with peers and faculty from other Georgia institutions and bonding with one another across majors.
“It was such a rewarding experience to share my work, connect with fellow student researchers from across the state, and engage in meaningful academic conversations,” said Ivy Nganga ’26, an English major.
For Daniel Leard ’27, a biology major, the experience highlighted how research strengthens both scientific and communication skills.
“Being able to plan out a year’s worth of research and work consistently to collect and analyze data, along with formatting it and presenting it to peers, was a lot of hard work and critical thinking,” Leard said. “I have definitely sharpened my skills as a biologist and a person because of this opportunity.”
Leard, along with fellow biology major Isabella Kelly-Stewart ’27, presented genetics research investigating how certain genes are conserved across time.
“Furthering this research could provide insight for humans between certain genes and possible diseases or illnesses,” he added.
In another prestigious opportunity, two Oglethorpe students recently participated in Posters at the Georgia State Capitol, an event where undergraduate researchers from across the state present their work directly to Georgia legislators and policy leaders.
Biology student Zohra Jamil ’26 and chemistry student Chloe White ’26 represented Oglethorpe, showcasing how undergraduate research contributes to scientific innovation and strengthens Georgia’s workforce pipeline.
Across both events, Oglethorpe students practiced the professional art of translating research into compelling, accessible communication. Presenting at conferences, speaking with legislators, and networking with peers are all real‑world experiences that prepare students for careers in science, education, policy, business, the arts and beyond.
