Laurier Brantford’s ninth annual Academic, Creative and Engaged Research Showcase ceremony was held on March 20 in the lower level of One Market.
The event, which was open to all, showcased research from undergraduate students from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. The award ceremony continued from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
The ACERS is a competition among students for cash prizes and “brings the campus together into One Market,” said Bryce Gunson, project coordinator in the faculty of Liberal Arts and ACERS staff lead.
Attendees viewed posters, podcasts and videos on display. “It’s really important, you know, giving students the chance to stretch their legs and show off what they can do,” said Jennifer Wild, a fourth-year English major. Currently, the research is available on the ACERS website.
Although most participants are nominated by a professor, Wild was required to compete in the ACERS from a research apprenticeship course. She created a podcast to explain her research on the religious aesthetics of revolution. Based on 18th century literature, she explores the role of religious imagery and poetry in political criticism.
Participating in the ACERS not only gives students a chance to show off their research, but it provides practice for obtaining further education, said Wild.
ACERS participant Jasmine Cossette, a fourth-year major in criminology, says she plans to go back for her masters. She says the ACERS are a good opportunity for students to think of research differently than just as an assignment. “I have always loved research. I want to be a research psychologist in the future,” she said.
Her research examined a controversial method called gastric content analysis, which is used to determine a person’s last meal and their cause of death. She chose to promote her research in a podcast format to avoid displaying graphic images.
Taking research and making it into a display is “really rewarding,” said Gunson. Winning first place for either poster, podcast or video results in cash prizes up to $750. Second place wins $500, and third place wins $250.
To participate in the ACERS, students must be nominated by a professor or self-nominate themselves. They may use previous projects or can create a new project. Next year’s deadline for nomination closes on Jan. 12, 2026.
Not only does participating in research benefit students, but it also benefits the Brantford community. The event is open to everyone in the community and “produces a lot of really cool conversations,” said Cossette.
This year’s research addresses relevant topics, such as gender inequality, crime management and environmental issues. Wild says this research helps create a more positive environment for Brantford and the university.
Leave a Reply