Undergraduate Research Conference Experience

This study explores the perceived experience and personal growth from students who participated in the 2025 Florida Undergraduate Research Conference. The study is focused on students’ qualitative descriptions of the expectations they had regarding presenting their work and engaging in conference activities. In a short-term longitudinal design, participants (N = 353) completed a survey examining their overall feelings about the FURC conference. Specifically, we asked about expected benefits and concerns prior to attending the conference; next, we asked about experienced benefits and surprises after the conclusion of the conference. For example, one open question was, "What benefits do you expect to experience by attending and presenting at FURC?” Content analysis was used to examine student responses. A majority of participants expected to experience networking opportunities and improvement in public speaking or presentation skills. Prior to the conference, the expressed concerns regarding their public speaking abilities, the impact of nervousness on their presentations, and their overall apprehension about attending their first conference. In the post-conference survey, attendees expressed their satisfaction with the conference’s ability to enhance skills, network and develop in a professional sense. Participants responded favorably when asked about the conference, mentioning gaining insights into different disciplines and positive interactions with attendees.