Social Science students shine at University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum

April 28, 2026 - Emily Jodway Patyna

Over 190 students from the College of Social Science participated in Michigan State’s 28th annual University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF) on April 17, showcasing an array of research projects in the form of posters and presentations. A total of 21 presentations from the College of Social Science received accolades at this year’s symposium.

Students presented outstanding work from research projects and studies they have been working on throughout the academic year. They were supported in their research and mentored by an array of MSU-affiliated faculty, staff, post-doctoral fellows, graduate students and student research assistants. Several students presented more than one research project across multiple disciplines. 

Held each spring inside the Breslin Center, UURAF brings together a university-wide community of undergraduate students to share their work with faculty, staff, peers, and external audiences. Participants gain experience in presenting their research, answer questions about their work from audience members and guests, and receive constructive feedback from judges. Projects are presented via a poster, oral presentation or visual art display.

Overall, 28 social science students took home awards from the event and were honored at the UURAF Awards Ceremony on April 24. These first-place award recipients are eligible to submit their work for consideration for the UURAF Grand Prize, whose winners will be announced in mid-June. 

The Department of Psychology led the charge with nine students awarded for their research and presentations including:

Linguistics, Languages, and Speech, Emilee Allwardt: Rhythm Perception In Children With Developmental Stuttering

Psychology, Aesha Zakaria: Prenatal Healthcare Experiences For Women In Iraq

Psychology, Lauriel Ellis & Nicole Bommarito: A Text Analysis Of National Anthems In Over 190 Countries

Psychology, Peyton McLaughlin: To What Extent Does Your Social Group (Or "Close Others") Agree Or Disagree With Your Political Views?

Psychology, Farra Lie & Tien Nguyen: Which Jobs Are Really Helping Society? (It Depends Who You Ask)

Psychology, Isabella Padula: A Methodological Comparison Of Motion-Based Pupil Dilation Paradigms

Psychology, Ronan Scott: Comparative Effects Of Bmi And Body Fat Percentage On Disordered Eating Symptoms In Adolescent Boys And Girls

 

For the full list of 2026 UURAF winners, click here. To view students’ individual poster presentations, click here.