2025 Theme
The call for papers theme for this year’s conference is Roots and Branches.
In this year’s CFP, writers should consider roots and branches as that theme applies to their own fields of study, whether literal or symbolic. Writers might choose a literal interpretation of roots and branches, like a biology major researching Pando, the world’s largest living organism: a collection of quaking Aspens growing from a single root system in Utah. Here, the student begins with a literal root system and then decides which branches in that ecosystem are worth pursuing more deeply. For instance, the student might study how the rise of male mule deer could threaten this ecosystem. Writers might also choose a metaphorical approach, like a church history major researching Independent Catholic Church. Here, the student might imagine the Roman Catholic Church as the “root” and the Independent Catholic Church as a “branch.”
Awards
Research projects that best fit the theme will be awarded at the end of the Blue Ridge Undergraduate Research Conference. Initial judging will be based on the submitted abstract and ties to the theme, but final decisions will be based on the quality of the presentation itself. A panel of at least 2 independent judges from the discipline will rank presentations during the conference and winners will be announced at the end of the day.
Abstracts
This conference is a culminating event for students who have been engaged in mentored research. Presentations will showcase the scholarly and creative research from all disciplines and majors. Both graduate and undergraduates are encouraged to attend and present. Any faculty-sponsored research project, proposal, or demonstration is welcome.
