Annual event highlights student research, academic achievement, and graduate school preparation across the VSC system
Vermont Business Magazine On Friday, September 19, the Vermont State Colleges (VSC) System will host its annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, an event celebrating student research and academic achievement. Held in the 1787 Room at Vermont State University (VTSU) Castleton and online, the symposium will feature 25 student presenters from both institutions in the VSC system, Community College of Vermont (CCV) and VTSU.
The event is co-sponsored by VTSU’s McNair Scholars Program and the VSC Chancellor’s Innovation Fund initiative, Opportunities for Undergraduate Research and Graduate Professional Study (OUR GPS). It will include oral and poster presentations across a wide range of disciplines, with keynote addresses by VSC Chancellor Beth Mauch and Dr. Andy Vermilyea, Professor of Environmental Science at VTSU.
“This symposium is a powerful reflection of our students’ intellectual curiosity and commitment to academic excellence,” said VSC Chancellor Beth Mauch. “It also highlights the transformative impact of mentorship and research opportunities across our campuses and institutions. Supporting initiatives like this that provide unique offerings for students and faculty while also promoting cross-institution collaboration is a key pillar of the Chancellor’s Innovation Fund. We’re proud to support this work.”
“The Undergraduate Research Symposium is a celebration of student resilience, growth, and scholarly achievement,” said Debbie Warnock, Interim Director of the McNair Scholars Program. “Our scholars have overcome barriers and embraced challenges, and their research reflects the depth of their dedication and potential. High impact opportunities, such as the paid student research opportunities our program provides, increase institutional commitment and retention among our students. We’re excited to share their work with the community at the upcoming showcase.”
The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, established by Congress in 1986 to honor astronaut and physicist Ronald E. McNair, is a federally funded TRIO initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Vermont State University introduced its McNair Scholars Program at the Castleton campus in 2017, where it has become a vital resource for underrepresented students pursuing graduate education.
The program supports low-income, first-generation college students and those from groups historically underrepresented in doctoral studies. At VTSU Castleton, McNair Scholars engage in graduate-level research under faculty mentorship, receive personalized advising, and participate in campus visits and scholarly conferences. These experiences equip students to become competitive applicants to graduate programs nationwide.
“Joining the McNair Scholars Program remains one of the best decisions of my life. I had the chance to be a part of a group of students like me, and together we learned to navigate higher education and that we did in fact belong there,” said Trinity LaPier, VTSU McNair alumna and first-generation college student, who went on to earn her Masters in Library Science and Information. “I would not have the experience and confidence in myself to pursue new experiences without my time in the McNair Scholars Program at Vermont State University, and I will forever be grateful for all my mentors.”
“McNair allowed me to gain the confidence that I have in my field today. As a scholar, I was given many opportunities to work on my communication skills with other scholars and faculty members during our research throughout the summer,” shared Jacob Gonzalez, VTSU McNair alumnus who now has a successful career in broadcast journalism. “The symposium was the biggest opportunity to showcase all of the hard work that the scholars and I had put in. Each presentation gives you a new perspective on topics that you may or may not have thought about.”
For more information or to attend virtually, visit: https://vermontstate.edu/event/vsc-undergraduate-research-symposium/
About Vermont State University
Vermont State University provides a high-quality, flexible, and affordable education for students seeking associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, certificates, and in-demand professional credentials. The university builds upon a history of public higher education in Vermont dating back to 1787. Learn more at: https://vermontstate.edu
9.11.2025. Castleton, Vt. — Vermont State Colleges
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