Whitman Undergraduate Conference Showcases Student Scholarship & Creativity
Photography by Patrick Record
Lightbulb moments. Whitman students stepped up to the mic to share their insights, research and talent at the 2025 Whitman Undergraduate Conference.
On Tuesday, April 15, Whitman College students and faculty came together for the 27th annual Whitman Undergraduate Conference—a celebration of the scholarship, critical thinking, self-driven exploration and creativity of Whitman students.
Built into the academic calendar as a class-free day to encourage campuswide participation, the annual conference showcases student-centered research through posters, presentations, panel discussions and performances.
Whitties Take Center Stage
Students from dozens of majors shared their wide-ranging interests and scholarship with hundreds of attendees in more than 80 presentations over the course of the morning and afternoon. From scenic design to Smokey the Bear to nesting hawks to sports politics, there was something to spark everyone’s curiosity.
Musicians & Intermissions
Musical performances by the String Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and Chamber Singers provided creative interludes for conference attendees throughout the day—while other students showcased their creativity in presentations of music and dance.
Post(er)ing Up
In a come-and-go afternoon block, nearly 50 posters were on display at Penrose Library. Students researchers had the opportunity to chat about their work with visitors—and give them an up-close look at their data and arguments.
Many thanks to the students who shared their work, the faculty and staff who moderated sessions, and the organizers of this year’s conference: Albert Schueller, the Mina Schwabacher Professor of Mathematics; Computer Science major Evita Joshi ’27; and Division III Assistant Ruth Ladderud.