Support the 2012 Undergraduate Research Conferences

The Bryan Center for Undergraduate Research (BCUR) is a new initiative that encourages Bryan students to present their research in the context of a professional conference.  Students are guided through the process of investigating a research topic of their choosing and are required to present their findings in both a written paper and a conference presentation.  

This initiative is multidisciplinary and is led by faculty representing the humanities and the sciences, and it encourages research across a variety of academic disciplines.  It is the goal of the BCUR that all participants gain valuable research and writing experience and that Bryan promotes academic excellence by encouraging thoughtful research and publication outside of the classroom.  

Fresh Perspectives in Research Conference

Our annual undergraduate research conference, with its attendant faculty‑led workshops on abstract writing and presentation preparation, is the primary means through which we encourage and promote student research. The conference is a valuable, open arena in which to gain the experience of presenting to and discussing research-in-progress with professors and peers in a friendly and supportive, yet academically rigorous, environment.  It offers undergraduates from different disciplines the opportunity to meet, cultivate connections, and exchange ideas.

Last semester's student researchers included:
  • Seth Flores "A Biblical Theology of Leadership"
  • Evan Johnson "History's Enigma: The Treason of Albrecht von Wallenstein"
  • Jandi Heagan "En Busqueda de Significado"
  • Vincent Smith "The Concept of Shame in Illicit Sexual Relationships within Modern and Postmodern Novels"
  • Katie Wilkens "Tsar Nicholas Romanov II and the Demise of the Romanov Monarchy"

Level 1 Participation: Spring 2012 Research Conference

Sponsor Spring 2012 Conference Luncheon with Guest Speaker $20 per attendee
Sponsor Student Participation at Spring 2012 Conference $100 per student
Sponsor Break-Out Sessions at Spring 2012 Conference (two sessions) $750 per session

Level 2 Participation: Conference Speakers and Student Scholarships

Sponsor Plenary Speaker for Spring 2012 Conference
Dr. Nathan Hitchcock
  • B.A., Biola University, 1999; M.A., North American Baptist Seminary (now Sioux Falls Seminary), 2006; M.A., University of South Dakota, 2007; Ph.D., University of Edinburgh, 2010.
  • Dr. Nathan Hitchcock brings passion to Church history and hermeneutics. Aside from five years in pastoral ministry, he devoted a number of years to training lay leaders through Leadership Development Network, a program of the Christian Reformed Church. His current research centers around the doctrine of the resurrection of the body, as well as historical studies in men and religion. Nathan is married with two children.
$3000
Sponsor Visiting Scholar in Residence for Spring 2012 Conference
Dr. David O'Hara
  • B.A., Middlebury College; M.A., St. John's College; M.A., Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University
  • Dr. O'Hara specializes in Ancient Philosophy (Plato), American Philosophy (Charles Peirce), and Philosophy of Religion. He is the author of a number of articles and book chapters. His most recent book is Narnia and the Fields of Arbol: The Environmental Vision of C.S. Lewis (U.P. Kentucky, 2008). He is currently preparing an edited volume of the Religious Writings of American philosopher Charles S. Peirce.
$3000
Sponsor Anual Student Scholarship Fund for Research Accepted to Regional or National Academic Conference $2500 per student
Sponsor Annual Student Scholarship Grant for BCUR Research Assistant

The BCUR Research Assistant would pair with a Bryan College faculty member to complete collaborative research for conference presentation and/or publication. Research would be presented at the Spring 2012 BCUR conference
$2500 per student
Sponsor Development and Editing Expenses for the Online Academic and Creative Arts Journal: Tributary

Funding for Tributary would involve the initial development of the online journal and ongoing editing
  • Initial Development
  • Annual Editing




$5000
$2500

Level 3 Participation: Research and Creative Arts Annual Conferences

Sponsor Annual BCUR Spring Research Conference $15,000
Sponsor Annual BCUR Fall Creative Arts Conference $15,000
Sponsor Both Annual BCUR Fall Creative Arts and BCUR Spring Research Conferences $30,000