Multidisciplinary Poster Expo – All Schools, Departments and Programs
All Day | Anacon Hall | Virtual Poster Expo
Posters and Pizza at 12 noon!
Members of the 2025 Student Scholarship Committee representing each of Monmouth University’s Schools selected approximately 10 posters per school to represent the diversity, range and quality of research and scholarship done by our students. These posters will remain on display throughout the week.
School of Humanities and Social Sciences & School of Science – Oyster Reef Art & Science Collaboration
12 p.m. | Great Hall Pompeii Room
The Art Mimics Nature, the Oyster Reef Project, is an interdisciplinary collaboration between Monmouth University’s AR 216, AR 217, and AR 316 Sculpture courses and the Urban Coast Institute (UCI). Combining sculpture, digital design, and marine science, this initiative explores how artistic forms can serve both aesthetic and ecological functions, contributing to oyster reef restoration, coastal resilience, and habitat regeneration.
Through a research-driven creative process guided by UCI Coastal Resilience and Restoration Practitioner, Meredith Comi, Marine Biology Technician, Amanda Boddy, and UCI Associate Director Thomas Herrington, Ph.D. and Associate Sculpture Professor Kimberly Callas, sculpture students applied biomimetic principles to develop reef designs that optimize form, texture, and porosity for oyster larvae settlement and marine biodiversity. In the fall semester, they created initial reef models using 3D modeling, digital manipulation, and 3D printing, testing surface textures and structural variations. Prototypes in clay, plaster, and 3D printing were refined with feedback from UCI scientists to ensure a balance between aesthetic design and ecological function.
In the spring semester, these prototypes were refined and scaled up using full-scale 3D printing, molding and casting techniques, with the final structures fabricated in marine-safe concrete to withstand dynamic tidal environments. Once deployed in a live reef setting, scientists will monitor oyster recruitment and habitat suitability, gathering data on how form and material influence marine restoration efforts.
This event features a talk by Meredith Comi, an expert in oyster restoration, aquaculture, and living shoreline projects, and UCI Associate Director Thomas Herrington, Ph.D., who will discuss the project’s scientific and environmental objectives. Accompanying the talk is a sculptural reef installation of the oyster reef modules the students created. The sculpture students will present a poster offering insight into the collaborative design process.
The sculptural reef installation offers a unique opportunity to view the oyster reef outside of its normal underwater habitat and engages the campus community around the UCI coastal resilience research. The interdisciplinary project extends beyond the classroom, providing students and the community an opportunity to engage with marine restoration firsthand. By merging art, science, and environmental advocacy, the Oyster Reef Project demonstrates how interdisciplinary collaboration can inspire creative solutions for sustaining coastal ecosystems.
For more details on the full project, visit: Monmouth University – UCI Oyster Reef Project
School of Humanities and Social Science – English- The Impact of Climate Change on Oceans and Ice Caps: Exploring Ecological Connections
1:15 p.m. | Student Center 202-C
71% of the earth’s surface is covered by water and being the only planet in the solar system with water and the ability to sustain life, we as the earth’s inhabitants have a great responsibility as the guardians of this element. Since only 3% of earth’s water is freshwater, it makes our actions related to environmental conservation of our water bodies even more significant.
While using Dr. Callas’ exhibit “Ocean Bodies” as a starting point, the students of College Composition II (EN102-29) will examine various aspects of oceanic life, energy, treatment etc. through the first major researched writing assignment. As Dr. Callas’ “body of work seeks to merge art, science, and archetypal symbols to foster a deeper understanding of humanity’s place within the natural world and inspire meaningful environmental action” (“Ocean Bodies”), the research conducted by students in this course will form the basis of a symposium that we will share with the rest of the University.
School of Humanities and Social Science – Communication – Power of Student Storytelling – Student Performances Session A
4:30 p.m. | Plangere 235
Students in CO 381 “Power of Story” class will present a variety of personal and published short stories based on various themes relating to culture, identity, belonging, and social change. Session B will be held on Thursday, April 24th, same time and place.
School of Nursing and Health Studies – Grand Rounds Series: Human Trafficking and the Impact on Healthcare
This will be a multi-disciplinary presentation and panel discussion with the members of the Human Trafficking Task Force at Monmouth Medical Center. They will be explaining the impact of human Trafficking on the Monmouth County community, the role of the medical center in combating, and the role of the task force in aiding potential victims of human trafficking that present to their facility for medical care. There will be a presentation, facilitated panel discussion and Q&A session with attendees.
5 p.m. | Woods Theatre