The David and Lorraine Freed Undergraduate Research Symposium, hosted by the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, in the Great Room of Lehigh’s newly renovated Clayton University Center at Packer Hall (29 Trembley Dr., Bethlehem, PA). The event will conclude with an awards ceremony at 4:15 p.m.
This annual symposium celebrates undergraduate research, emphasizing experiential learning and the role of inquiry in shaping students’ academic journeys. Established in 2005 by materials science professors Himanshu Jain and Wojciech Misiolek and endowed by alumnus and Lehigh Trustee Andrew Freed ’83 in honor of his parents, the symposium has become a cornerstone event for students looking to expand their knowledge through research.
For the third year, the symposium will include a special outreach initiative, welcoming high school juniors from Lincoln Leadership Academy (Allentown, PA) who have an interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). During their visit, the students and teachers will engage with undergraduate researchers, observe a live demonstration of Lehigh’s five-million-pound universal testing machine, and participate in a panel discussion led by Lehigh professor and former astronaut Terry Hart.
The Lehigh community and local visitors are invited to attend and explore the diverse projects on display. The event is particularly valuable for first- and second-year students who want to learn more about research opportunities on campus and how they can get involved.
A platform for research across disciplines
The symposium features research spanning a wide range of engineering fields, with student presentations covering topics such as biomedical engineering, additive manufacturing, and underwater wireless communication.
One of this year’s projects, led by Maria Rizio ’25, a chemical engineering major, focuses on improving the lifespan and performance of lithium-ion batteries, which are widely used in electric vehicles. Under the guidance of Elsa Reichmanis, Professor and Carl Robert Anderson Chair in Chemical Engineering, Rizio and her team are testing a conductive polymer coating designed to enhance battery efficiency and durability. If successful, this approach could contribute to more reliable and longer-lasting batteries for high-demand applications.
Throughout the day, students will present their research to a panel of judges who will evaluate projects based on creativity, impact, and presentation quality. Winning students will receive scholarships to attend academic and professional conferences, providing them with further opportunities to develop their research.
The symposium also features a People’s Choice Award, where attendees can vote for their favorite project to win a prize.
By offering a platform for students to showcase their work, the David and Lorraine Freed Undergraduate Research Symposium continues to foster curiosity, critical thinking, and innovation—encouraging students to push the boundaries of their education beyond the classroom.