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

Breathing Room

0% APY for 12 months balance transfer offer. Apply today! Click to learn more. Insured by NCUA.

www.greylock.org

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.

Letter: A Promise to Keep: The Story of No Paws Left Behind

Letter to the Editor03:00PM / Tuesday, November 10, 2026

To the Editor:

In August 2023, the Friends of the Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter announced the shelter would be closing. For Noelle Howland, a shelter employee, the news was heartbreaking. Rather than accept the end of the mission, she began raising funds to keep the shelter open a few more months, giving the shelter animals additional time to find homes.

Although the Sonsini Board remained committed to closing the shelter, Noelle was encouraged to continue its mission by creating a new organization. That encouragement became No Paws Left Behind.

With determination, hard work, and support of early donors, Noelle searched for a new location and found one in North Adams, renting the municipal animal control facility. Establishing a shelter in North Berkshire made sense for our rural region, where accessible animal rescue services are greatly needed. We believed Eleanor Sonsini's mission deserved to continue and the community and animals deserved a nearby resource.

After navigating countless regulations and requirements, No Paws Left Behind officially opened in July 2024.

We started small, using the donations Noelle had personally raised during the initial campaign. While some equipment from the former Sonsini shelter was given, no other financial support was provided. Much of what we have built has been made possible through those initial efforts and ongoing community support.

Our community has welcomed us with open arms. Many supporters previously adopted from Sonsini and recognize our shared commitment to giving animals a second chance. We are proud to carry that spirit forward.

I share this history because it's important to understand where we started, how far we've come, and why continued support matters. Operating a small, independent, no-kill shelter requires ongoing fundraising, generosity, and dedication.

Yes, Noelle is my daughter, and I am the board president. Even so, I remain in awe of what she has accomplished. To see a then 23-year-old turn an idea into a functioning shelter because she refused to give up is remarkable.

As we look toward the future, we dream of one day having a larger shelter so we can help even more animals. On Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2, and throughout the year, please consider supporting No Paws Left Behind. Donate, attend an event, or simply spread the word.

A shelter is more than a building. It is a promise that animals in need will have a chance at a better life. Thank you for helping make this journey possible.

Bonnie Howland
North Adams, Mass.

View Full Story