CERCA 2026 will set multiple records

“The breadth and depth that will be on display during CERCA is really impressive. Most, if not all, disciplines on the campuses are represented,” says Dr. David Jewett, professor and assistant director of undergraduate research and creative activity. “First-year scholars through recent and soon-to-be graduates of UWEC and CVTC will be sharing their research, projects and performances with student peers, faculty and staff, and members of the Eau Claire and Chippewa valley communities and beyond.”

Attendees will learn about the research and creative processes that contribute to new knowledge and products that have been uncovered or created by students, Jewett says.

This year’s packed schedule starts April 27 with the UW-Eau Claire Mathematics Retreat and concludes four days later with the Provost’s Honors Symposium, a showcase of exceptional student research, scholarship and creative activity. 

In between, CERCA attendees will experience program-specific presentations, student performances and films, the Spotlight on First-Year Research and the annual WiSys Quick Pitch competition.

“CERCA celebrates not only the scholarly and creative work produced by students at UW-Eau Claire, but also the many things they learn in the process of creating that work, including problem-solving, creative thinking, technical skills and resilience,” says Dr. Mary Hoffman, interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “It is a wonderful showcase of the many talents and hard work of our students, and an illustration of the dedication of faculty and staff who mentor them.”

New this year are two events on April 30 that place additional focus on first-year researchers. The Blugold Seminar Project Showcase features outstanding student projects from the fall semester that followed a process of inquiry and research to develop arguments presented in multimedia forms. The showcase provides an opportunity for attendees to meet with students, learn about the projects and experience the research foundations students build in Blugold Seminar courses.

The second new event, From FYE To HIE: High Impact Experiences For First-Year Students, involves students who participated in a FYE pilot course during the fall semester and are currently enrolled in a spring course exploring high-impact practices, including undergraduate research.

Helen Gensch, a fourth-year biology major at UW-Eau Claire, will deliver one of 59 presentations at the Provost’s Honors Symposium. A past poster participant at CERCA, her research on mosquitoes will culminate with an oral presentation at the invite-only showcase.

“In the past I’ve given posters at American Society of Parasitologists meetings in Denver and in North Carolina. Now, I’m taking a step up and I’m actually going to give a talk,” Gensch says. “I’m excited about that.”

CERCA is organized by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, home to the Center of Excellence for Faculty and Undergraduate Student Research Collaboration, and brings together events coordinated by several other units on campus, including the Mark Stephen Cosby Honors College; Blugold Fellows Program; Blugold Seminar; FYE Program; None of the Above; departments of art & design, mathematics, nursing; College of Nursing; Career Services; Center for Writing Excellence; and by WiSys.

Find the full CERCA event schedule.