UNF students showcase innovative research at 2026 Summer Symposium

From exploring solutions to real-world challenges to advancing knowledge across disciplines, University of North Florida students recently presented their research during the University's fourth annual Summer Student Research Symposium.

Hosted by the UNF Office of Undergraduate Research in partnership with the Graduate School and College of Arts and Sciences Dean's Office, the symposium brought together 75 undergraduate and 14 graduate students from a wide range of academic programs to share the results of their research, scholarly and creative projects with faculty, staff, fellow students and community members.

Projects spanned fields from health sciences and engineering to computer science and education. Students presented their findings through poster presentations, engaging attendees in discussion about their work and its potential impact.

"The Student Research Symposium is an opportunity for our students to showcase the incredible work they are doing both inside and outside the classroom," said Judith Ochrietor, director of the Office of Undergraduate Research. "Their curiosity, dedication and commitment to discovery exemplify the transformative educational experiences available at UNF."

Many of the undergraduate researchers were supported through the College of Arts and Sciences Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program, made possible through the generosity of donor James Van Vleck.

Among those students was Kenneth Richey, a sophomore majoring in physics, whose SURF-funded project explored methods for creating thin films with properties that could contribute to advancements in technologies such as compact microcircuits and quantum computing devices. Working under the mentorship of physics professor Dr. Daniel Santavicca, Richey investigated how different manufacturing conditions affect the electrical properties of the material.

"This experience got me deeper into materials science and helped me see what happens behind the applications," said Richey. "Dr. Santavicca was a great mentor who helped me understand the process and guided me through challenges with the equipment and research."

The event also celebrated the collaborative relationships between students and faculty mentors who guide and support research efforts through the academic year. Among the largest research groups represented were students working with Dr. Christopher Oshman in mechanical engineering and Dr. Szymon Ciesielski in chemistry and biochemistry.

Senior mechanical engineering student Nolan Tusing worked with Oshman and presented research focused on modeling safety systems for small modular nuclear reactors. His project explored ways to predict how reactor cooling systems respond during emergencies, helping improve the safety and reliability of future nuclear energy technologies.

"I've wanted to be a nuclear engineer since middle school, and this experience has really cemented that goal," said Tusing. "It helped me build a deeper understanding of heat transfer and gave me even more motivation to continue developing my coding and engineering skills."

Tusing credited Oshman with helping refine his calculations, review existing literature and develop approaches for modeling complex systems. He said presenting his work at the symposium and sharing why his research is important was a rewarding opportunity.

Held during the fall, spring and summer semesters, the next Student Research Symposium will take place on Friday, Dec. 4.