Canisius University celebrated student achievement, research, and creativity during the 19th annual Ignatian Scholarship Day (ISD), held April 15. The campus-wide event showcased undergraduate and graduate students presenting original research, scholarly inquiry, and creative work through poster sessions, oral presentations, multimedia projects, artistic displays and performances.
A total of 118 student projects were submitted and endorsed by faculty and staff mentors, highlighting the depth and diversity of academic excellence at Canisius University. Presentations and exhibits took place across campus, including Science Hall Commons, classrooms, Christ the King Chapel, and the Alumni Gallery.
“Ignatian Scholarship Day offers a platform for students to present their research, projects and talents, reflecting the Jesuit value of magis—the pursuit of excellence,” said Connie Pileri ’92, MS ’93, assistant dean of students and director for event services. “For the university community, it is a celebration of scholarly achievement that brings people together and reinforces our mission as a place ‘where leaders are made.’”
The wide-ranging topics presented during Ignatian Scholarship Day underscored the interdisciplinary nature of a Canisius University education and reflected the Jesuit value of cura personalis—care for the whole person. This commitment to holistic student development was evident across projects that explored wildlife conservation, animal behavior, and public health, alongside examinations of social issues, digital culture, and religious studies.
Scientific research included topics like A Survey of Wildlife Road Mortality in the Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area, Vocalization Patterns in Captive Polar Bears and Employer-Based Incentivized Annual Health Screenings and Its Effect on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Humanities and social science presentations addressed topics such as Religion in Western New York and TheTik Tok Brain: Attention and ADHD in the Digital Era, highlighting the breadth of student research at Canisius University.
Creative work was also featured across campus, including two- and three-dimensional pieces from students in FAS 142 Travel Photography, which highlighted work from a trip to Italy. A separate exhibition of the students’ photography was showcased in the Alumni Gallery.
Artistic expression remained a hallmark of Ignatian Scholarship Day. A standout musical performance of “I Remember Clifford,” the jazz standard composed by Benny Golson in tribute to trumpeter Clifford Brown, filled Christ the King Chapel with sound, while visual works such as Scenes from the Everglades: Two Paintings offered artistic interpretations inspired by field studies in Everglades National Park.
Beyond showcasing finished projects, ISD provides students with valuable professional experience. “ISD gives students firsthand conference-style presentation experience,” Pileri said. “They strengthen written and verbal communication skills, and for some, it becomes a pathway to further research or graduate study.”
Faculty mentors also play a critical role in guiding students from initial ideas to polished presentations. Sue Margulis, PhD, who mentored seven students participating in this year’s event, emphasized the importance of the process. “Learning how to format a poster, write concisely and clearly communicate key findings are essential skills,” she said. “Ignatian Scholarship Day gave my students the opportunity to share science with a broad audience—something they wouldn’t typically experience in a classroom.”
Margulis noted that public sharing is fundamental to academic growth. “The only way science moves forward is to share what we learn,” she said. “Even unexpected results or mistakes can help others. Learning—not the grade—is what truly matters.”
For students, the experience of presenting their work often deepens both their academic interests and sense of purpose. Mia Servis ’27, an adolescence education major with a concentration in mathematics, explored the impact of screen media on children’s development through her project, Impact of Screen Media on Children’s Social, Emotional and Academic Development: The Influence of Mister Rogers.
“Participating in Ignatian Scholarship Day helped me reflect on my research on a deeper level beyond the classroom,” Servis said. “It connected me with the community and showed me the real-world impact of my work. Hearing feedback from others—especially those who found the topic relatable—was incredibly valuable.”
She also noted how meaningful it was to engage with attendees during the event. “People were interested to hear about my connection to being in the classroom this semester working with grades five to seven during my education placement, along with the findings from my project,” she said. “It helped me see how relevant these questions are in today’s schools.”
The experience also shaped her future goals. “It made me realize how much more I want to explore this topic,” she added. “It affirmed my passion for education and the importance of understanding how media influences children today.”
Graduate student Calvin Herrick ’23, MS-Ed ’26, presented his research The Complex Genetics of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Genetic Testing's Utility and Limitations in Screening and Prognosis.
For Herrick, ISD highlighted the importance of making difficult information accessible. “Research reaches its full potential when it is shared,” Herrick said. “I spoke with attendees who had personal connections to this condition but didn’t fully understand its genetics. It showed me how our work can provide meaningful, real-world education to the community.”
The experience also reinforced his professional aspirations. “It solidified my commitment to practicing in a medical specialty where empowering patients through clear, clinical communication is a big focus,” Herrick said.
He also found value in the collaborative environment. “The feedback from peers and faculty challenged my thinking and opened new directions for future research,” he said. “It reinforced that learning—especially in medicine—is a continuous process.”
The impact of Ignatian Scholarship Day also extended beyond campus, with many students sharing reflections and highlights from their presentations on LinkedIn, showcasing their work to broader professional audiences. Student LinkedIn posts included:
Hebah Abdo | Katie Bapst | Danielle Haynes | Scott Heldwein | Calvin Herrick | Megan Kocher | Nana Akosua Ofori Amanfo | Matthew Smith
