More than 600 Students Showcase Research at Annual Symposium

On April 22, Fairfield University welcomed hundreds of students, faculty members, and community guests to the Leo D. Mahoney Arena for the annual Student Research Symposium, a campus-wide celebration of academic achievement and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The symposium featured undergraduate and graduate research spanning disciplines from nursing and public health to business, computer science, humanities, and the social sciences. Most student presentations were faculty-mentored projects, allowing collaborators to share their joint findings.

Faculty Mentorship Drives Student Success

From capstone projects focused on improving patient outcomes to studies examining business strategy and market analysis, students shared the culmination of academic research.

For some, preparing for the research symposium sparked new interests in their field of study.

One computer science student in the School of Engineering and Computing, Matthew Tully ’29, credited his faculty mentor, Collin Beaudoin, PhD, assistant professor of computer science, with helping to guide him through the design and implementation of an artificial intelligence-based mental health research project, which he presented at the symposium.

“My faculty mentor, Professor Collin Beaudoin, has had a significant impact on my academic development,” Tully said.

“His support and feedback have helped me deepen my understanding of machine learning while also encouraging me to think critically about ethical considerations in technology.”

Academic Excellence and Community Connections

During the event, Provost Christine Siegel, PhD, recognized the dedication and accomplishments of Fairfield’s student researchers, emphasizing the importance of inquiry, collaboration, and academic excellence.

The symposium fostered meaningful connections among students, faculty mentors, and members of the broader University community, as attendees stopped at booths throughout the arena to learn more about each student’s research project and next steps.

For many students, the experience reinforced long-term academic and professional aspirations. Student presenter Holly Rahurahu ’26, a senior neuroscience major in the John Charles Meditz College of Arts and Sciences said faculty mentorship inspired her to rethink her plans for the future.

“Because of Dr. Jessica Karanian’s mentorship, I discovered a genuine passion for research and now plan to pursue a PhD,” Rahurahu said, “which is something I never would have imagined for myself before working with her.”

Through their research process, Fairfield students demonstrated not only academic excellence but also a commitment to applying knowledge in ways that create meaningful impact beyond the classroom.

Check out the 2026 symposium e-Book at fairfield.edu/symposium to learn more about this year’s student research projects.

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