The College of Humanities will host the Spring 2026 Undergraduate Research Symposium on Friday, April 3, featuring presentations from 14 students across a range of topics.
The event was created and organized by Louise Taylor, a double major in German Studies and Political Science and the senator representing the College of Humanities in the Associated Students of University of Arizona.
Taylor said research can be more easily understood for students in scientific majors, but students in the College of Humanities can be just as active as their peers in terms of research.
“A lot of people underestimate the power of humanities research. I wanted to show the cool humanistic things the students are doing in their classes because we have such a diverse array of classes that you don’t see in other colleges,” Taylor said. “Showing that we’re producing research dealing with culture and society and the way humans live in society, and that it does benefit people, can make more people realize the importance and the value of the humanities, on a community scale and a nationwide scale.”
The symposium is organized thematically, with four groups of students presenting around a general topic, moderated by a faculty member with related expertise. See the full schedule below.
For Taylor and the participating students alike, the symposium is an opportunity to gain important experience.
“Participating in a research conference or symposium is important to have on your resume. And for me, making the event has been a huge, huge learning experience. I’ve learned administrative tasks, logistical tasks and budget tasks. I’ve had to do a ton of coordination and talking to faculty and administrators, which can be intimidating as a student, but it’s been hugely beneficial for me to get out of my comfort zone and take charge,” she said. “I’m excited to see it come to life and I hope the students benefit from it as much as we expect.”
Kristy Slominski, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, who will moderate a panel relating to culture and healthcare, said students will benefit from both sides of the experience, the research and the presentation.
“The COH Undergraduate Research Symposium is such an important opportunity to showcase the range and depth of student research happening in the humanities. Sharing original research is an essential part of the research process, so this gives students the opportunity to engage with this core academic practice and to build their communication skills,” she said.
Spring 2026 College of Humanities Undergraduate Research Symposium
Friday, April 3
Tucson Room (third floor), Student Union Memorial Center
8:30-9:00 am Coffee and Bagels
9:00-9:15 Opening Remarks by Dorrance Dean A-P Durand
9:20-10:05 Panel #1: Innovation & Cultures of Care
Moderator: Dr. Kristy Slominski, Religious Studies
Presenters:
Fiona Liyanage
Genevieve Kloch
Marlie Nochomovitz
10:10-11:10 Panel #2: Affect & Personal Experiences
Moderator: Harriet Olulo, German Studies
Presenters:
Mia Romero
Siobhan Leavy
Andree Ader
Gabriela Navarro
11:15-12:15 Panel #3: Cultural Studies
Moderator: Dr. Matt Mars, Public and Applied Humanities
Presenters:
Caitlin Campos
Hanga Andras-Letanovszky
Madelyn Miller
Caroline Keller
12:15 -1:15 Lunch (not provided)
1:15-2:00 Panel #4: Women in History
Moderator: Dr. Victoria Meyer, Interdisciplinary Studies
Presenters:
El Sterling
Cassandra Quijada
Mia Molina
2:00-2:30 Closing Remarks by Associate Dean Chantelle Warner, Awards, and Reception