Auburn University undergraduate researchers present at 2026 NCUR

A record number of Auburn University undergraduate researchers recently attended the 2026 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR). Led by Lorenzo Cremaschi, Henry Burt Jr. Professor of Mechanical Engineering and director of undergraduate research, 29 students traveled to Richmond, Va., to present their research at the national event, sponsored by the Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR).

Founded in 1978 and consisting of nearly 700 institutions and 13,000 members, CUR provides high-quality and collaborative undergraduate research, scholarly and creative activity. Its NCUR event welcomes presenters from all institutions of higher learning and from all disciplines and creates a unique environment for the celebration and promotion of undergraduate student achievement.

All 29 Auburn students who attended NCUR made presentations on their individual research projects according to Cremaschi, who noted that Auburn has seen its student participation more than quadruple since first participating in 2023.

“The NCUR is a unique conference because it offers students from all disciplines and institutions of higher education the chance to showcase their work on a national stage,” said Cremaschi. “With almost 5,000 attendees from all across the nation, the students also have the chance to connect with their peers, engage in discussions and forums and learn what other research groups at different universities are working on.”

According to several of the students who attended, the conference also provided the opportunity to hone their presentation skills, gain additional confidence and develop a better appreciation for the importance of their own research efforts.

“I had an amazing experience presenting at the NCUR,” said Ife Ayileka, who is majoring in biomedical sciences/pre-med in the Auburn College of Science and Mathematics. “Being able to share my work in different settings and with so many different people not only strengthened my confidence as a presenter, but also deepened my understanding of what it means to be a researcher.

“By engaging with other student researchers and professionals, I saw how research can drive meaningful, real-world change beyond the academic setting. I would tell any undergraduate considering research to take the leap because their work has the potential to open doors and make a difference in their community.”

Markelle Scott, a Melton Scholar and fellow biomedical sciences major, shared a similar take.

“Presenting at the NCUR has not only made me more comfortable with sharing my research but has also enabled me to think critically when others ask thought-provoking questions about it,” said Scott. “These are amazing opportunities to test your own understanding of the research you are doing.

“It is useful to encounter these questions, because they help you refine your research project or to think about your question in a different way. I really enjoy these presentations because I gain the skill of explaining complex concepts in a way that someone who is not in my field can understand.” 

“The NCUR was a great experience,” agreed Max Yeast, a student majoring in aviation management and finance. “I loved getting the chance to share my research with students and stakeholders from across the country, while exploring others' work across diverse disciplines.

“I strongly encourage other undergraduate students to explore their own research opportunities, as they have been among the most rewarding and beneficial parts of my time at Auburn. The Office of Undergraduate Research provides many wonderful opportunities for students to get involved.”