MCLA to Host the 22nd Annual Undergraduate Research Conference

08:00AM / Wednesday, April 03, 2024Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — On Thursday, April 18, 2024, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will hold the 22nd annual Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) to recognize students for their work and dedication in producing academic projects.

This year's keynote speaker is MCLA alumnus Deven Philbrick '16 – a poet and PhD Candidate in English Language and Literature at the University of Michigan. Philbrick earned his bachelor's in English/Communications & Philosophy with a double major in Literature and Writing concentrations from MCLA, then received a master's degree in creative writing from the University of Seattle-Washington in 2018. Currently, he is working on a dissertation on 20th-century innovative poetry and process philosophy.

The full-day event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a poster session at 11 a.m. and the keynote speaker and lunch at noon. Additional event schedules and locations are forthcoming.

"Undergraduate research is a value that underlies the mission of MCLA because it promotes excellence and innovation, creativity and critical thinking, service, and citizenship," said Graziana D'Elia-Brillante, URC chair and professor of modern languages at MCLA. "It is a transformative experience that transcends traditional classroom learning, offering students a profound journey of personal and intellectual growth going beyond textbooks, so students delve deeply into their chosen field, fostering a deeper understanding of concepts and methodologies."

Students will present 15-minute talks, posters, and artistic work; the URC will also include special sessions and events focused on specific themes and performances. Members of the media are welcome to cover this MCLA community event, sit in on virtual talks, and interview students and faculty members.

"Furthermore, undergraduate research nurtures a sense of independence and self-reliance, as students take ownership of their projects from conception to completion. This autonomy not only builds confidence but also instills a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence," said D'Elia-Brillante.

Tags: MCLA,

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

RIBCO Supply

Check out our great lineup of Boss Plows, and spreaders. 2 Locations Clarksburg & Pittsfield!

ribcosupply.com

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Key West Bar Gets Probation in Underage Incident

By Tammy Daniels iBerkshires Staff
05:54AM / Wednesday, February 11, 2026

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Key West is on probation for the next six months after an incident of underage drinking back in November.

The License Commission had continued a hearing on the bar to consult with the city solicitor on whether charges could be brought. The opinion was that it was up to the District Attorney.

Chief Mark Bailey at Tuesday's commission meeting said he did not believe criminal charges applied in this instance because no one at the bar "knowingly or intentionally" supplied the alcoholic beverages.

"I feel that the bartender thought that the person was over 21 so it's not like she knowingly provided alcohol to them, to a person under 21. She just assumed that the person at the door was doing their job," he said. "So I don't feel that we can come after them criminally, or the bartender or the doorman, because the doorman did not give them alcohol."

The incident involved two 20-year-old men who had been found inside the State Street bar after one of the men's mothers had first taken him out of the bar and then called police when he went back inside. Both times, it appeared neither man had been carded despite a bouncer who was supposed to be scanning identification cards.

The men had been drinking beer and doing shots. The chief said the bouncer was caught in a lie because he told the police he didn't recognize the men, but was seen on the bar's video taking their drinks when police showed up.

Commissioner Peter Breen hammered on the point that if the intoxicated men had gotten behind the wheel of their car, a tragedy could have occurred. He referenced several instances of intoxicated driving, including three deaths, over the past 15 years — none of which involved Key West.

View Full Story