Seventy-three students at the Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (SURCA) 2026 were the recipients of 65 awards totaling $14,000. The system-wide event on March 23 at WSU Pullman was hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR).
“We enjoyed 251 outstanding posters this year from undergraduates who study and research at all six WSU campuses. Those who received awards were judged to have delivered the top presentations on their mentored research, scholarship, and creative activities,” said Jeremy Lessmann, OUR director. OUR is part of the Division of Academic Engagement and Student Achievement in the provost’s office.
Presenters were from all six campuses: WSU Pullman, WSU Spokane, WSU Tri-Cities, WSU Vancouver, WSU Everett, and WSU Global Campus. A video of the awards ceremony is on YouTube.
Held since 2012, SURCA is the only WSU-wide venue for undergraduates in every major and year in college to share their research. The number of 2026 accepted abstracts from presenters and the number of volunteer judges set new records at 335 and 261, respectively. Individuals, pairs, and groups were among the presenters.
The award ceremony following the afternoon showcase was led by Assistant Vice Provost Mary Sánchez Lanier, Vice Provost for Academic Engagement and Student Achievement Bill Davis, and Lessmann. This year, the ceremony was opened with live music performed by Mariachi Leones Del Monte.
The full list of award winners is available on the SURCA website.
