Florida State University hosted the Atlantic Coast Conference’s annual Meeting of the Minds undergraduate research conference from April 10-12. The event brought together top student researchers and staff from each of the ACC’s 18 member schools to present their work, network, and learn about FSU and Tallahassee.
The conference is significant as it provides a platform for undergraduate students to showcase original research across a range of disciplines. It also allows participants to connect with peers from other universities, encouraging academic collaboration and professional growth.
Latika Young, director of FSU’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Academic Engagement (CRE), said, “We were proud to host this year’s Meeting of the Minds conference, and I’m grateful to the ACC for investing in the academic success of undergraduate students. It was inspiring to see students from across the conference come together, share their work, and take part in memorable experiences in and around campus.”
Student delegates are selected through a competitive process requiring original research under faculty advisement. This year’s topics included medicine, music, education, technology, political science, psychology, among others. DeOnte Brown, dean of Undergraduate Studies at FSU said: “Florida State is deeply committed to advancing undergraduate research. Being part of the ACC’s Meeting of the Minds underscores the importance of investing in students’ ideas and academic curiosity.”
FSU was represented by five students: Rameen Ahmed researched wood-plastic composites; Alex DeLise worked on generative compressed sensing; Varun Raju studied public opinion on judicial reforms in Mexico; Sydney Wald examined ChatGPT use related to emotional support; Sophie Maclayne Works explored Soviet narratives through lacquer art. Raju said presenting his findings was fulfilling: “I had the opportunity to present and learn in an enriching interdisciplinary group… while hearing high-caliber work surrounding material innovation [and] international policy solutions.” Wald added: “It’s been really nice to make connections with students from other schools and hear about their research.”
In addition to presentations and poster sessions held on campus venues such as Dunlap Champions Club and FSU Heritage Museum, attendees enjoyed tours showcasing Tallahassee life—supported by a grant from Visit Tallahassee—and attended social events including a circus show.
Leslie Stevens, coordinator for ACC Academic Consortium which funds Meeting of the Minds through its Academic Consortium program said: “We’d like to thank this year’s host Florida State University… At the ACC we’re proud… by building a connected academic community [and] offering meaningful programs that support both students and faculty.”
The event concluded with plans for continued collaboration among participating institutions.
