Nearly 30 students presented original research, scholarship and creative projects during the 2026 Student Showcase for Research, Scholarship and Creativity at Kent State University at Trumbull.
Faculty judges evaluated poster presentations and selected Madeleine Hadrys as the grand prize winner. Hadrys earned a $1,000 Student Showcase scholarship for her presentation, "The Chemistry of Forever Chemicals: PFAS and Their Environmental Persistence and Human Health Impacts."
Valerie Cubon-Bell, Ph.D., professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Kent State Trumbull, served as Hadrys' faculty mentor.
The annual showcase provides students with an opportunity to conduct in-depth research, develop critical thinking skills and present their findings to faculty, staff and peers.
Maria Niza Licuanan-Galela, Ph.D., associate professor of sociology and Trumbull Campus Honors Coordinator, and Mary Russell, Ph.D., professor of biological sciences, coordinated the Student Showcase.
"Our faculty was blown away by the submissions and presentations," Licuanan-Galela said. "This experience challenges students to explore topics in depth, communicate their findings and apply what they learn in meaningful ways. These are skills that will serve them well throughout their academic and professional careers."
Category winners included:
Original Research — Rylee McDonough
"Who Succeeds in Math? Beliefs Matter, Not Just Brains"
Mentors: Patricia Tomich, Ph.D., professor of psychological sciences and Min He, Ph.D., professor of mathematics
Award: $500
"Who Succeeds in Math? Beliefs Matter, Not Just Brains"
Mentors: Patricia Tomich, Ph.D., professor of psychological sciences and Min He, Ph.D., professor of mathematics
Award: $500
Original Creative — Evan Wilson, Austin Cavnah and Caleb Shafer
"Energy Efficient Smart Home"
Mentor: Flavia P.N. Inbanathan, Ph.D.
Award: $500
"Energy Efficient Smart Home"
Mentor: Flavia P.N. Inbanathan, Ph.D.
Award: $500
Scholarship Category — Abigail White
"Chemical Impact of Ocean Acidification on Marine Life"
Mentor: Valerie Cubon-Bell, Ph.D., professor of chemistry and biochemistry
Award: $500
"Chemical Impact of Ocean Acidification on Marine Life"
Mentor: Valerie Cubon-Bell, Ph.D., professor of chemistry and biochemistry
Award: $500
Pictured: Madeleine Hadrys presents her award-winning poster, "The Chemistry of Forever Chemicals: PFAS and Their Environmental Persistence and Human Health Impacts," during the 2026 Student Showcase for Research, Scholarship and Creativity at Kent State Trumbull.