Research in Action: LSU Undergraduate Students Present Work at National Convention

Eighteen LSU students showcased their research on a national stage at the 2025 National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) in Pittsburgh, Pa. This marks the largest number of LSU students ever selected to present at this prestigious event.

NCUR is the premier national platform for undergraduate researchers, fostering interdisciplinary scholarship. The conference brings together students from across the country to present their work, engage with peers and faculty, and gain valuable career development experience.

“The Office of Undergraduate Research is proud to lead the largest group of LSU students ever to present their research at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.  Sharing your findings is an essential part of the research journey and giving students the opportunity to do so on a national level with thousands of students from across the country will help them to practice communication and networking skills. I hope these students have a great time presenting and making new connections with other research students,” said Sarah Ferstel, Director of Undergraduate Research.

For students like Arys Morman, a third-year chemistry major from Houston, Texas, it was her first time presenting research.

“I’m ecstatic and nervous about the experience. I’m excited because I can finally share my drug discovery research, which could help lead to more effective treatments, and I’ll get to meet others conducting similar studies. But I’m also nervous because I want to present my work in a way that inspires others to pursue their own ideas,” Morman said.

Under the guidance of her research mentor, Fatima Rivas, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry, Morman is studying drug discovery for triple-negative breast cancer. Her research focuses on derivatives of a natural product, bakuchiol, that her team chemically synthesized.

“As I plan for my future, this research has solidified my interest in drug discovery. Presenting it not only to my peers but also to faculty from professional colleges will help me build connections that could lead me toward a career in continued drug discovery,” Morman said.

Ann Crabtree, a senior history major from New Orleans, Louisiana, is examining how British weapons trials contributed to the establishment of formal bioethical frameworks. Working with history professor Meredith Veldman, her research also serves as the basis for her honors thesis through the Ogden Honors College.

“Participating in historical research is extraordinarily special. History provides the context by which we live our lives, helping us better understand people and places. More than that, it allows us to recognize timely patterns and pivotal moments in our own lives,” Crabtree said. “Historical research lets me take part in something bigger than myself. Despite the sometimes tedious work, I will never take archival research for granted. Physically holding documents and artifacts reveals the gravity of human action and the weight of the lives we study, making every moment worthwhile.”

Crabtree recently presented her research at the Macksey National Symposium for Undergraduate Research at Johns Hopkins University in March. After graduating in May, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in history, focusing on themes that intersect philosophy, science, and colonial studies.

Hang Vu, a third-year biochemistry major from Slidell, La., will present research on a topic he believes is particularly relevant to her generation. Vu worked closely with Dr. Alexandra Noel, an associate professor and director of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine’s Inhalation Laboratory.

“I think studies about vaping and its effects are very important right now, especially for my age group,” Vu said. “I measured the change in pH levels in different types, flavors, and concentrations of e-liquids.”

With LSU’s mission to become a Top 50 research institution, these students exemplify the depth of LSU’s academic programs and the opportunities available to make a real impact.

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