Hundreds of Clarkson Students Present Research at Annual Showcase

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More than 550 Clarkson University students presented 230 research and project-based works during the university's annual Research and Project Showcase (RAPS) on April 17, part of Clarkson's Celebration and Recognition of Excellence Weekend.

The event, co-hosted by Clarkson Ignite and Sponsored Research Services, featured student work from across disciplines, with presentations delivered in 38 categories. Participants included 75 faculty and alumni judges, 40 research groups and 35 courses, making it one of the largest showcases in the event's history.

The day began with oral and poster presentations held across campus, followed by a Pitch-Off competition featuring top student presenters from each category. The program also included the second annual Faculty Research and Project Spotlight, a three-minute thesis-style competition among eight faculty members.

Several awards were presented during a closing ceremony, including new honors such as the Creative Expression Award, sponsored by University Libraries and the Department of Arts, Culture and Technology, and the Environmental Health and Safety Award, sponsored by the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.

In the Pitch-Off competition, sophomore Ethan Freedley earned top undergraduate honors for "Analyzing Serum Peptidomes - Biomarker Discovery," a project focused on early breast cancer identification conducted in Associate Professor Costel Darie's biochemistry and proteomics lab. Graduate student Emma Baxter received the top graduate-level award for "How Screen Time Affects Children," a master's project in physician assistant studies examining the physical, behavioral and psychosocial effects of screen time under the guidance of Clinical Assistant Professor Kylie Sands.

Associate Professor Xiaocun Lu was named the winner of the Faculty Research and Project Spotlight for the presentation "What If Molecules Could Decide?" which explored molecular sensor technologies for personalized medicine.

"RAPS highlights the remarkable ingenuity and drive of Clarkson students, showcasing how their ideas evolve into meaningful, real-world contributions," said Ashley Sweeney, director of Clarkson Ignite.

The event was organized through a collaboration between Clarkson Ignite and Sponsored Research Services, led by Professor Michelle Crimi, dean of the Graduate School and interim vice provost for research and technology transfer.

A full list of award recipients is available on the RAPS webpage.