The Hunter Student Research Conference (HSRC)

is an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to share their research while gaining valuable experience proposing, preparing, and presenting their work in a supportive environment.

Renamed in 2020, the Hunter Student Research Conference honors the barrier-breaking alumna, Dr. Louise Stokes Hunter, Educ ‘53. Dr. Hunter was the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Virginia. Read a feature about the memorial bench and Dr. Hunter on p. 16-17 here.

For over a decade, the student research conference at the School of Education and Human Development has provided an opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to showcase their innovative research. The one-day event is held in the late spring and includes poster sessions, paper sessions, workshops, panels, and a keynote speaker. It is organized for students mostly by students (with the support of a faculty liaison and staff in the Dean’s Office), so it is also an opportunity for students to gain experience designing, planning, and running an academic conference.

Vision: To establish the Hunter Student Research Conference (HSRC) as a national model for a student-driven, interdisciplinary, and inclusive space for emerging scholars and practitioners to be involved in each component of planning, holding, and participating in an academic conference.

Mission: Hunter Student Research Conference (HSRC)’s mission is to facilitate student leadership in developing, organizing, and presenting research in education and human development.

Goals

  1. Create opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to develop and present research in a safe and supportive environment 
  2. Actively recruit all students to be a part of the planning committee, particularly those who come from first-time conference presenters and marginalized backgrounds so that there is distinct recognition and support for both first-time conference presenters and those of marginalized backgrounds. 
  3. Provide training and experience researching, presenting, reviewing, and participating in academic conferences

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

  • Dr. Hunter's Family, including Yvette Washington and Hunter White
  • SEHD Dean's Office
  • EdOnline
  • VEST Keynote Team
  • Education & Social Science Research Library
  • EdCouncil

A Message From Dean Stephanie Rowley:

On October 14th, 2022, we honored Dr. Louise Stokes Hunter as part of the UVA Memorial Benches Initiative, which highlights underrepresented women and people of color that have made an impactful contribution to either the University of Virginia or the world.   Dr. Louise Stokes Hunter was the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Virginia School of Education and Human Development and was a trailblazer in mentorship and education.  I hope you will join me, Dr. Hunter's family, and your colleagues at this dedication.