Saint Xavier University students transformed the Shannon Center into a vibrant hub of scholarship and creativity Monday, April 20, as the sixth annual Student Faculty Collaborative Research Expo highlighted months of academic work and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
The gymnasium buzzed with conversation as rows of posters filled the floor and students presented their research to faculty, staff, peers and community members. Projects spanned disciplines including science, education, nursing, health, communication and the arts, with many tackling social issues or using creative expression to share personal narratives.
Top honors were awarded across several disciplines. Collin McGuire earned Best in Show in Social Science; Lebron Laniert and Gia Macias received Best in Show in Behavioral Science; Anna Czernik was recognized in Natural Science; Melissa Guzman earned top honors in Business; and Hailey Henry received Best in Show in Art & Design.
Among the standout presentations, Henry, 21, of Rockton, combined written word and visual art in a self-published book titled “The Abnormal Seed.”
“It’s nature-themed, which reminds people that even though there are setbacks in life, you get past them,” Henry said.
Her favorite piece in the collection is a poem titled “My Dandelion,” paired with an illustration of the flower, reflecting resilience and growth.
Other students also drew attention for their creative work. Avery Sanchez, 21, of Lansing, presented a piece titled “Motions,” exploring themes of solidarity, farewell, devotion, juxtaposition and timeless movement.
“I wanted to find a connection between the people I’m close with and myself,” Sanchez said.
Jesus Gonzalez, 28, of Chicago, showcased a project called “Pastime Patterns,” which examined nonverbal representation in the arts.
Nathan Peck, chair of the university’s Art and Design Department, said the Expo offers students a meaningful opportunity to celebrate their work and present it to a wider audience.
“The event allows students to showcase what makes their research distinctive across a wide range of academic disciplines,” Peck said.
Since its launch in 2019, the Expo has grown into a signature university tradition, supported through the Student Faculty Collaborative Research Initiative, which funds competitive proposals designed to extend learning beyond the classroom.
Faculty members said the event also serves as a source of inspiration.
“What makes this event so meaningful to me is getting a glimpse into the amazing work my colleagues and students are doing,” said LaTreese V. Hall, an assistant professor. “At a teaching-focused university, you might not expect this level of research and creativity, but it’s truly thriving here. I especially love seeing students present for the first time. Watching them move from ‘I’m not sure I can do this’ to confidently standing beside their work — that transformation is everything.”
Joey Eisenmann, an exercise science professor, said the Expo underscores the academic rigor behind the projects.
“SXU Research Day provides students and faculty an opportunity to showcase their scholarship, bringing the rigors of the scientific method, background reading, study design, data collection, statistical analysis and inquiry to center stage,” Eisenmann said.
Throughout the afternoon, attendees moved between presentations, asking questions, offering feedback and connecting with students whose work often crossed disciplinary lines.
By the event’s conclusion, the Expo’s purpose was evident: to celebrate student achievement, foster collaboration across fields and encourage students to see research as a meaningful way to engage with the world around them.
