When UNC Pembroke junior Jessie Williams began studying biology, she already had a personal mission—to better understand the disease that changed her family’s life.
Inspired by a younger brother’s daily battle with Type 1 diabetes, Williams’ research focused on identifying early warning signs of the condition — hoping to one day help families catch it sooner and avoid the uncertainty her own family experienced.
“Getting to research something I’m naturally interested in — something that matters to me — means a lot,” Williams said. “It fuels my passion for my major.”
Williams was one of 123 student researchers participating in the 19th annual Pembroke Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium (PURC). This year’s event featured 88 faculty-mentored research projects on display at the Mary Livermore Library.
“PURC exists to promote and celebrate undergraduate research,” said Brandon Sanderson, professor of art and director of PURC. “Our goal is to enhance undergraduate education and help prepare students for careers and post-graduate study across all disciplines.”
Sanderson noted that undergraduate research is thriving СƷƵP, with more faculty incorporating it into their classes.
“Research is becoming an increasingly important part of campus life,” he added.
Biology major Kevin Reza-Villa wrapped up a busy two days at PURC with a poster presentation following his appearance at the National Human Genome Research Institute’s conference in Philadelphia. His ongoing research explores how a specific gene has evolved in fruit flies by analyzing their DNA.
“PURC is a very welcoming environment,” said Villa, who hopes to pursue an MD/PhD program in personalized medicine.
“There’s a lot of support from faculty and staff. It helps students build confidence and prepare for bigger conferences, where there might be hundreds of presenters.”
Cameron Lowery, a junior art major, proudly showcased a two-piece woodcut print set illustrating the biblical story of Daniel, Bel, and the Dragon, along with a self-portrait.
“I’ve always wanted to take on a big woodcut project like this,” she said. “Working on both pieces simultaneously was a challenge, but going through the process really built my confidence.”
Lowery also shared how public speaking about her art helps her cope with social anxiety.
“When I start talking about my work, the anxiety lifts,” she said. “It’s something I love and enjoy sharing with others. Events like PURC help me come out of my shell.”
Following the exhibit and presentations, former physics professor and PURC director Dr. Tim Ritter offered closing remarks during the awards ceremony. Ritter, who taught for 21 years, was diagnosed with ALS in 2015. Despite retiring, he remains actively involved in undergraduate research and returns each year to present a scholarship he established with his wife, Marie.
“I’ve always believed that the most meaningful parts of your education happen outside the classroom,” Ritter said. “Even if students don’t end up working in their undergraduate major, I truly believe they’re better people because of the research experiences they’ve had.”
