Research Rooted in Authenticity
The 2026 Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) kicked off with a speech by BYU–Hawaii’s own vice president, Isaiah Walker, where he expressed the purpose and meaning of the event, leading with the Hawaiian phrase: Nana Ike Kumu.
Coined by native Hawaiian scholar Mary Kawena Pukui, the phrase roughly translates to “Look to the source.” Acting as the theme of this year’s URC, the phrase celebrates authentic research and encourages students to always dig a little deeper than the surface-level proliferation of information.
He went on to explain that the URC is a day where students get to take charge of the instruction on campus. Through this experience, they will share their findings and teach attendees what they’ve discovered.
Walker stressed the importance of this opportunity, claiming that it’s something that will not only help students learn how to do proper research, but will also aid to battle misconceptions, misinformation, and commonly accepted ideas that may not reflect the truth. “When you go to primary sources, you’re able to develop a more authentic understanding of what you're studying,” he said, “Too often, we repeat information without verifying it, trusting that someone else interpreted it correctly. Looking to the original source is the best way to conduct meaningful research.”
“The URC highlights and spotlights student voices,” Walker said. “For some students, that experience can grow into something much bigger in their academic and professional future.”
“There’s a difference between truth and the proliferation of knowledge.”
Student Excellence on Display
The event took place in various locations on campus and was filled with hundreds of students presenting their work through posters, slides, panel discussions, creative projects, and other forms of academic inquiry.
Students from a variety of disciplines were recognized for their research and presentations, highlighting the diversity of academic inquiry at the Undergraduate Research Conference.
When Diversity Meets Law
John Andrew Quizana, a junior from the Philippines majoring in political science and peacebuilding, received first place in the political science research category for his project titled When Diversity Meets Law. His research examined how religious diversity in different countries relates to corruption, depending on the strength of the rule of law. "I actually didn’t expect to win,” Quizana said. “I participated in the URC mostly for the experience, and I knew my research still had some missing components. With the help of my mentor, I was able to gather and refine my data and make my presentation more polished.”
Quizana explained that the URC provides an opportunity not only to present research, but also to learn from others and strengthen academic skills. “The URC creates opportunities to share ideas, receive feedback, and refine our research. It’s also a space where mentors and students work closely together, building relationships while improving presentation and writing skills,” he said.
Pacific Women Navigating Higher Education
Another student team, Leonora Toomata and Lamonhi Fuimaono, both majoring in social work, presented a poster titled Pacific Women Navigating Higher Education. The student researchers pulled from their own experiences and sought to understand the challenges other Pacific women faced. "As Pacific women and first-generation college students ourselves, we wanted to understand whether others were experiencing similar challenges and how they were finding support throughout their academic journey,” they explained.
The pair also emphasized the importance of representation and awareness. “The URC gave us the opportunity to raise awareness about topics that are not often discussed. Our hope is that this research empowers Pacific women to continue pursuing higher education and reminds them that they are not alone in their experiences.”
Preparing For Future Academic Opportunities
Renae Buckles, a senior from Las Vegas majoring in cultural anthropology and sustainability, also presented independent research reflecting her academic interests. Buckles chose to conduct research outside of a class setting to pursue a topic that better represented her academic goals. “I wanted my research submission to reflect my personal academic interests,” Buckles said. “I chose to conduct independent research outside of a class so I could explore a topic that better represented my academic goals.”
Buckles noted that participating in the conference provides valuable experience for students preparing for future academic opportunities. “Being able to present independent research at a conference demonstrates initiative and academic engagement beyond the classroom,” she said.
Together, these presentations demonstrated the range of student scholarship at the URC, from political science and social work to anthropology and sustainability. Through their research, students not only shared knowledge but also contributed to meaningful conversations that extend beyond the classroom.
The Spirit of Scholarship
As the event came to a close, each student gained and left with something valuable that day—the true spirit of scholarship. From looking to the source, presenting what they found, and also learning from their peers, students, mentors, and all attendants were blessed with the glories of academia. That is what the URC is all about.
According to Aaron Shumway, an associate professor and faculty member in religious education and a mentor at the event, this experience is rare in undergraduate universities. “It’s truly unique for a university focused solely on undergraduate education to host a conference like this, where the entire campus is energized by students presenting their research,” he said. “Participating in such an event not only provides invaluable experience but also strengthens the academic credibility of a student’s work for future graduate applications.”
He continued, “Through the Undergraduate Research Conference, students gain confidence, develop essential research skills, and often discover that academic inquiry is not only valuable, but also enjoyable.”