MassURC 2020 Executive Report

Massachusetts Undergraduate
Research Conference 2020

Executive Report

CONTENTS

03
INTRODUCTION
04
PARTICIPATION &
COMPARATIVE STATS
08
ORAL REVIEW PROCESS

09
PRESENTER RESOURCES

10
WELCOME & KEYNOTE

11
AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT

12
CAMPUS CONTACTS &
SURVEY

17
BUDGET

18
SUMMARY &
LOOKING AHEAD
19
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

PAGE 02

INTRODUCTION

The Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference (MassURC) is an annual one-
day event for undergraduate students from the 28 public colleges and universities
across the Commonwealth to present research, share knowledge, and learn from fellow
students. In a typical year, over 1,000 undergraduate students present their research in
a diverse range of topics from performing arts, to biochemistry, to political science.
This was an unusual year in the history of the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research
Conference (MassURC). After 25 consecutive years of the MassURC convening, the 26th
year was halted midstream. As a result of COVID-19, a decision was made in mid-March
to cancel the conference for 2020. There would have been 1,100 students from 25
schools presenting their research through 901 presentations across 67 areas of study.
While MassURC did not come to full fruition, many steps were completed in the
preparation to warrant a comprehensive report. 
This report includes:

Statement of goals that were set for this year
Statistical information to compare current to previous years
Identification and evaluation of steps completed and goals met
Recommendations for new goals looking ahead to MassURC 2021

PAGE 03

OVERVIEW OF One of the primary measures of success for the MassURC is
PARTICIPATION quantitative evaluation - how many students, faculty, and
presentations; from which schools, and based on what areas of
study. The following information and charts provide many ways to
look at these measures.

GOAL

More equitable participation across school types (community colleges, state schools, UMass
system), especially focusing on increased community college participation.

OUTCOMES

Community college overall participation increased by more than 3% while state universities
decreased by just under 5% from the previous five years, leaving the UMass system with a slight
overall increase.
There has been an overall decrease in total presentations in the past several years - 977 at peak in
2017 to 900 this year.
Faculty to presentation ratio was about 1:2 for state and UMass schools and 1:3 for community
colleges.

NEXT STEPS

Continue focus on equitable participation across school types, with special attention continuing for
community colleges and increasing for state schools.
Increase outreach to faculty on community college and state school campus, especially in the fall.

PEOPLE & SCHOOLS TOTALS PRESENTATIONS TOTALS

Presenters 1,150 Presentations 900
Faculty Sponsors 423 Group Presentations 122
Participating Schools 25 Individual Presentations 807
Areas of Study
67

Oral Presentations SUBMITTED PROJECTED FINAL
Poster Presentations
ePosterboard Presentations 231 after orals selected
498
171 195
500
205

PAGE 04

2020 TOTALS The following chart is a detailed accounting of total
presentations, presenters, and faculty sponsors from each of
the 28 institutions.

PAGE 05

2020 vs. The following charts provide a clear view of presentation
2015-2019 totals for this year, by type of institution, compared to those
over the previous five years.

TOTAL PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOL 2020

, Community Colleges
15.6%

140

521 239 State Colleges/ Universities
26.6%
UMass System
57.8%

TOTAL PRESENTATIONS BY SCHOOL
2015-2019 YEARLY AVERAGE

, Community Colleges
13%

120

UMass System 511 280 State Colleges/ Universities
56% 31%

PAGE 06

2020 vs. The following charts provide a clear view of total number of
2015-2019 presenters for this year, by type of institution, compared to
those over the previous five years.

TOTAL PRESENTERS BY SCHOOL 2020

, Community Colleges
16.1%

140

521 239
State Colleges/ Universities
UMass System 26.7%
57.2%

TOTAL PRESENTERS BY SCHOOL
2015-2019 YEARLY AVERAGE

, Community Colleges
12%

UMass System 142 State Colleges/ Universities
54% 639 409 34%

PAGE 07

ORAL For the 2019 conference, it was decided to include a review process for
REVIEW oral presentations in order to limit the total number with the goal of
PROCESS running fewer oral sessions in an effort to increase the overall
attendance. It was proven to be successful and, therefore, determined to
continue for 2020.

GOALS

This year, we established new goals for the oral review process:
Refine the review process to make the ranking measures clearer and more simplified
Increase the number of reviewers for the purpose of:
assuring a stronger match between faculty areas of expertise and abstract areas of study
having each faculty member review a maximum of 12 abstracts
cultivating a greater sense of investment and involvement of faculty
Increase the distribution of reviewers across campuses to: 
assure equitable representation
cultivate a greater sense of investment and involvement from schools across Massachusetts

OUTCOMES Oral Reviewers  Community Colleges
17.2%
Based on consultation with two previous faculty ,
reviewers, the ranking system was consolidated to 5
two measures with clearer parameters.
In addition, an updated review form was developed UMass 14
for easier use. 48.3%
The total number of reviewers was 29. This is an
increase of 17 reviewers from 2019. (See chart for 10
distribution of reviewers across campus types.)
State Schools
NEXT STEPS 34.5%

In reviewing all the submitted scores, it was Oral Reviewers TOTALS
determined that there was not substantial Reviewer Groups (by areas of study)
differentiation (i.e. too many scores were the Reviewers Per Group 29
same). As a result, it is recommended to either: Abstracts Reviewed 12
2-3
create a third scoring criteria and/or 114
Increasing from a 5- to 10-point scoring system 
Being clearer on abstract ranking measures with There were a total of 231 abstracts
presenters prior to submission and with reviewers submitted for oral presentation
before ranking - e.g. clarifying ideal abstract word
count and content areas to cover. (See "Presenter 117 were automatically accepted based upon
Resources" for more details.) a presenter course or grant requirement

114 were reviewed and represented

42 areas of study

PAGE 08

PRESENTER For the majority of student presenters, MassURC is their first
RESOURCES experience writing an abstract and presenting their research
outside of the classroom. Providing guidance and resources is
key to success and the highest quality work from the
MassURC presenters.

GOALS OUTCOMES

Offer resources web page on MassURC New resources web page on MassURC
website website
Create web-based video guides for: Web-based video guides created for

use of MassURC systems - abstract use of MassURC abstract submission
submission system, event app system
abstract writing tips abstract writing tips
presentation tips presentation tips (in development)
Develop strategic use of MassURC social
media to link to selected online resources

NEXT STEPS

Update abstract writing tips video with more detailed information of expectations for MassURC
Earlier web-based posting of updated abstract writing tips video
Complete and post to website the presentation tips videos (three videos total - overview,
poster/ePoster presentations, oral presentations)
Live, online Q&A sessions for presenters: abtract writing at start of spring semester, presentation
prep and "what to expect at the conference" in late March/early April

PAGE 09

WELCOME AND The welcome and keynote address serves as a
KEYNOTE launching point for MassURC - a presentation in
which students can find inspiration from a well-
seasoned researcher and where school leadership
can publicly applaud the work of its undergraduate
researchers.

GOALS OUTCOMES

Integrate the keynote address into a more In addition to arranging the keynote
meaningful, hands-on engagement for address, three undergraduate
students and audience members attending students working under Dr.
the conference throughout the day. Poehler's supervision were secured
to manage a special interactive
exhibit that was schedule to run
throughout the day.

NEXT STEPS

Continue with the goal of integrating the keynote address into a more meaningful and hands-on
engagement, possibly re-inviting Dr. Poehler for 2021 to be able to bring to fruition plans from this
year's conference.
If Dr. Poehler is unable to present or the conference team decides to move in a different direction,
consider a "hot" topic that speaks to diverse student interests. This is may include convening a
representative student panel for consultation and guidance.

PAGE 10

AUDIENCE While much of the conference is most focused on
ENGAGEMENT presenters preparations, the role of an audience is
crucial to the success of MassURC. Presenters have
spent valuable time preparing to engage with an
audience. In addition, audience participation may
inspire peers to be future presenters.

GOALS

Assist campus contacts in developing avenues to encourage other community members to
attend the conference
Promotion and outreach increased across UMass Amherst campus: UMass RAs, CHC Advisors,
UMass Honors Program Directors
Promotion increased across all campuses: keynote event poster and/or digital signage file
distribution across campuses
Fewer presentation session periods with final session ending at 4:30pm
Auditorium dedicated exclusively to poster and ePosterBoard presentations

OUTCOMES

Auditorium dedicated exclusively to poster and ePosterBoard presentations
Met with CHC RAs to discuss strategies for promoting conference to CHC and other UMass
undergraduate students in on-campus living communities
No other steps were taken due to cancellation of the conference prior to the event attendance
promotional period (mid-March leading up to the conference day.)

NEXT STEPS

Continue with goals identified for 2020
Consideration inclusion of outreach to regional high schools
Revise current MassURC promotional video to focus on securing greater audience participation
and disseminate to campus contacts, honors program directors, faculty, and others as
appropriate.

PAGE 11

CAMPUS As the lead stakeholder on each campus and the primary
CONTACTS point of contact with the MassURC administrative staff, it
is crucial to make sure campus contacts have everything
needed to support their students and faculty to optimize
participation across the state.

GOALS

Create clearer guidelines and timeline material in fall
Offer fall Zoom introduction call to review timeline, guidelines, changes for 2020, provide
overview of the MassURC system, and answer questions
Provide regular emails for updates and reminders
Provide emails that can be directly forwarded by campus contacts to their students and faculty
Offer electronic files for digital signage (submission deadline and event with keynote)
Update campus contact survey to measure goals for 2020 and to set new ones for 2021

OUTCOMES

Overall, campus contacts were well prepared and supported with improved communications
and supporting materials (see survey results)
Fall Zoom call was moderately to significantly helpful to those who tuned in live or listened to
the recording, with room for improvement (see survey results)

NEXT STEPS

Confirm with each campus contact that they have received fall materials (guidelines, timeline,
submission poster). Follow up by phone as needed.
Streamline content of fall Zoom call to be more concise and specific to new versus returning
campus contacts.
Establish second Zoom call to take place at least two weeks before submission deadline
Consider inviting campus contacts (reps from each type of institution (community college, state
university, UMass system) to serve on the conference committee as advisors.

PAGE 12

CAMPUS CONTACT SURVEY

WHO COMPLETED THE SURVEY?

SCHOOL SURVEY

SURVEY TOTAL PARTICIPATION PARTICIPATION

SCHOOLS RESPONDENTS CONTACTS RATE RATE

Community Colleges 7 15 46.7% 43.75%
State Schools 7 12 58.3% 43.75%
UMass Schools 2 3 66.7% 12.5%

WHO COMPLETED THE SURVEY?

PAGE 13

Rate conference-related information, communications, materials,
systems, and conference staff support.

Overall, an average of 83% of the respondents gave a Very Good to Great rating when asked questions
about the quality of the MassURC administrative team support, conference materials, and systems.

General communications Campus contact info packet Zoom campus contact call
from confrerence team

Conference poster Resources (e.g. abstract Abstract submission system General information on
writing tips video) conference website

Conference team timeliness Overall level of support from
of response to inquires the conference team

PAGE 14

Rate the following aspects as they relate to your institution.

Overall, an average of 69% of the respondents gave a Very Good to Great rating when asked
questions about the support and involvement of their institution with MassURC.

Number of student presenters Number of presentations Quality of abstracts Diversity of presentation
areas of study

Number of faculty Degree of faculty sponsor Support from your leadership Institutional resources for
sponsors engagement your students to present

OVERVIEW OF SURVEY COMMENTS

Inquiries Posed to Respondents
Please specify any ways in which you think conference information, communications,
materials, systems, and conference team support were useful and/or could be improved for
yourself, students, and/or faculty.
Based on your responses to the previous question, please elaborate on what you believe
contributed to the success and/or challenges regarding engagement and participation from
your institution.
Please indicate anything else you would like us to know about your experience as a campus
contact (commendations & critiques welcome).

PAGE 15

SURVEY COMMENTS

Communications

Everything was fantastic--super organized, thoughtfully presented. Materials all clear and easy
to read.

 

Conference Team

Conference team is so great!!
I thought Emily was amazing as a contact person if I had any questions.
Everyone has been very supportive.
Any and all information was provided in a timely manner and were very well done. If I had a
question it was answered within hours. You have a great team!
I thought everything went smoothly. I especially appreciated Emily’s quick
responses and her ability to add World Languages as an area for the program
You folks are so great. Always so responsive and thinking of ways to be more helpful to those
outside of UMASS. It has been easier and easier each year.
I am grateful for the thorough support offered by the Conference Coordinator. Emily made a
huge positive impact on my first year. Thank you!
Great job, and such a disappointment that it had to canceled. I can only imagine how much
work you all put into this.
I was really impressed by Emily's level of individual help and patience
Thanks for all your hard work. Looking forward to 2021!

 

Presenter Resources

Having more resources for students directly (abstract writing, poster design,
presentation practice, etc.) would be helpful moving forward.
Abstract video sample very useful for students.
The abstract writing tips were released too close to the submission deadline.

Technology/System

A few faculty members said they didn't receive reminders about deadlines for
reviewing abstracts.
Although the abstract submission can be a little clunky (some students were able to
register without a faculty sponsor, for instance), overall it was really easy!
The abstract submission page and process can be clunky. Students don't always understand
they have to click "submit" ; faculty sponsors don't always realize they have to click "approve." I
acknowledge the great efforts of coordinator (and campus contacts) to communicate those
instructions to participants.

Timeline

Suggestion is about submitting the abstracts. On February 14th, students had only been in
class for three weeks. Some had not really had a chance to form their ideas, so writing the
abstract was for some a shot in the dark. Could that deadline be extended? That would also
help with the quality of abstracts. Stronger students who had a sense of their project before
the semester started were fine, but those who were starting from scratch submitted
somewhat iffy abstracts.

PAGE 16

BUDGET While the conference did not convene, costs were incurred along
the way. This section provides an overview of projected and actual
costs of the conference for 2020, along with a look back at 2019
as a point of reference.

OVERVIEW

This year's budget was originally expected to have a combination of increase and decrease due to the
following factors:

What went up? What came down?
New rates and larger quantity of ePosterBoards The elimination of the MassURC submission
Addition of continental breakfast for 200 guests to system development line-item. It was paid
accompany the keynote address in the Campus for over four years, concluding in 2019
Center Marriott Room

As a result of the cancellation, a number of costs were reduced or eliminated, bringing total costs down
significantly. At the same time, costs to the Commonwealth Honors College increased modestly from
2019 as a result of carrying the full budget.

PAGE 17

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Masschusetts Undergraduate Research Conference provides a unique opportunity for
undergraduate students from public schools across the state to share their skills, intellect, and inquiry
and to celebrate their accomplishments.

This year, there were 553 students presenting their work as part of a course requirement. This suggests
that faculty are using the conference as a culminating event in which their students can showcase their
learning. At the same time, nearly 600 students who were not fulfilling an academic requirement made
the active choice to present their research.

Whether by requirement or choice, there were many heartbroken students who missed the opportunity
to present at the conference this year.

Based on the many ways in which conference stakeholders communicate with the MassURC staff - by
survey, emails, phone calls, in person - it is clear that this is a highly valued opportunity for students and
their faculty.

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2021

As preparations take form for MassURC 2021, we will incorporate feedback in all areas of programming,
logistics, communications, and marketing in order to build upon the high-quality experience for the
nearly 1,800 people who are expected to particate in the coming year. We will capitalize on all that we are
doing well and continually look for ways to improve the submission and presentation experience for
faculty, students, and all other MassURC stakeholders.

Many of these actions are reflected in the "Next Steps" throughout this report. It is likely that more ideas
will take hold as we move into the new seasons.

In current conditions, we will also look towards the capacity of developing an event that offers flexibility
between in-person and virtual experiences as the times demand.

We look forward to announcing the MassURC 2021 date in the coming weeks.

PAGE 18

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

MassURC is a state-wide partnership

We thank each of our stakeholders for their dedication to research and their commitment to
showcasing the work being done by undergraduate students across the Commonwealth.

MassURC is only possible with the institutions who have continually provided support:
Commonwealth Honors College at the University of Massachusetts Amherst
Massachusetts Department of Higher Education
Massachusetts State University Council of Presidents
Massachusetts Community Colleges

The MassURC Administrative Team is a group of Commonwealth Honors
College staff members who manage the planning, promotion, and delivery

of the conference and include:

Conference Coordinator Emily Hodos
Conference Student Assistant Jessica Orlando
Associate Dean of Academic Programs Professor Alex Deshcamps
Natalie George
Director of Communications Nick Wojcik
Director of IT Peter Brown
Ashley Braziel
Software Engineer Kris Halpin
Coordinator of Student Events & Programs Professor Neal Anderson and
Professor Julian Tyson
Abstract Title Reviewer
Oral Review Advisors

PAGE 19

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Campus Contacts

They are the primary contacts for all conference-related communication and planning on their
individual campuses. Most often, they are director or coordinator of the honors program at each of
the campuses in the Massachusetts System of Public Higher Education. The Conference
Coordinator serves as the Campus Contact for UMass Amherst.

Berkshire Community College Matthew Müller
Bridgewater State University Sean Maguire
Bristol Community College Denise DiMarzio
André Alexis Robinson
Bunker Hill Community College John French
Cape Cod Community College Catherine Buell
Fitchburg State University Rebecca Carr
Framingham State University Liza Harrington
Greenfield Community College Vanessa Martinez
Holyoke Community College Jason Mazaik
Lisong Liu
Massachusetts Bay Community College Guangzhi Huang
Massachusetts College of Art and Design Victoria Papa
Mark Patrick
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Panteha Sanati
David Kalivas
Massachusetts Maritime Academy Daniel Soucy
Massasoit Community College Tiffany Magnolia
Middlesex Community College Ginger Hurajt
Susan McPherson
Mount Wachusett Community College Jason Laguna
North Shore Community College Scott Nowka
John Diffley
Northern Essex Community College Emily Hodos
Quinsigamond Community College Jason Roush
Catherine Gardner
Roxbury Community College Jim Canning
Salem State University Vanessa Holford Diana
Lamis Jarvinen
Springfield Technical Community College Robin White
UMass Amherst Elizabeth Osborne
UMass Boston

UMass Dartmouth
UMass Lowell

Westfield State University

Worcester State University

PAGE 20

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Oral Reviewers

Faculty members from across the Massachusetts public college campuses who volunteer their
time to read and rank submitted abstracts for oral presentation in areas of study closely aligned
with their field(s) of expertise.

Bunker Hill Community College Eugenia Ciocan
Cape Cod Community College Kerry Drohan
Fitchburg State University Lindsay Parisi
Framingham State University Paul Bruno
Karen Druffel
Holyoke Community College Dawn Vreven
Quinsigamond Community College Ileana Vasu
Hao Loi
Salem State University Anthony D'Amico
Komalpreet Kaur
Springfield Technical Community College Scott Nowka
UMass Amherst Timothy Randhir
Neal Anderson
UMass Dartmouth   Erik Cheries
Westfield State University William Clement
Worcester State University Daniel Gerber
Seth Goldman
C.N. Le
Jungwoo Lee
Luis Marentes
John Simpson
John Sirard
Lisa Troy
Wilmore Webley
Leah Wing
Anupama Arora
Vanessa Diana
Robin White
Meghna Dilip

PAGE 21