Stony Brook University's commitment to nurturing student innovation took center stage at the annual Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URECA)/Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) Symposium on April 30. The event showcased the talent and ingenuity of 400 undergraduate students across various disciplines.

With 250 posters on display, the symposium provided a platform for students to present their research findings and creative projects. From tackling issues in civil engineering to exploring cutting-edge technologies, students shared their insights with faculty, staff, and fellow students. The hands-on experience gained through these projects is invaluable, preparing students for future endeavors while contributing meaningfully to their fields.

Among the presentations were those from the Civil Engineering department. The students' exploration of the following topics exemplified the caliber of research undertaken by Stony Brook undergraduates:

                         

Alexis White: "Anisotropy in Kirigami Metamaterial Skins for Borrowing", advised by Paolo Celli

Jiawen Xu: "Photoelastic Analysis of Pop-Up Morphing Structure", advised by Wei Li and Paolo Celli

Giselle Morocho Aguilar: "Land Subsidence Beneath Our Aging Infrastructure: A Laboratory Study", advised by Wei Li

 

Additionally, the VIP team led by Elizabeth Jennings and David Xiedeng showcased their project titled "Printing Structures," advised by Rigoberto Burgueño and Paolo Celli. Their work exemplifies the collaborative spirit and innovative thinking fostered by the VIP program.

Overall, the URECA/VIP Symposium underscored Stony Brook University's dedication to empowering students to push the boundaries of knowledge and creativity. As the university continues to support undergraduate research and interdisciplinary collaboration, the impact of these initiatives reverberates not only within the academic community but also in addressing real-world challenges.