From climate action to gender justice, undergraduate research at York University addresses timely, complex and relevant issues.
Students in the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS) stepped into the world of academic inquiry this summer through the Dean's Award for Research Excellence (DARE) program. The long-running initiative pairs students with faculty mentors for hands-on, interdisciplinary research experiences.
Each year, LA&PS students selected for the program receive funding and guidance to explore projects that span disciplines – and borders. Students receive a $5,000 award and work closely with a faculty supervisor over the summer term. The program culminates in a public poster exhibit held in the fall, where students present their findings to peers, faculty and the broader York community.
More than 50 student-led projects were featured at this year’s DARE public showcase at the Scott Library Collaboratory on Oct. 7, highlighting how undergraduate research at York can spark meaningful, real-world impact.
An award was presented to Jessica Lappin for best poster for “The Fruit Machine: Exploring a Visual Fantasy,” with two more students earning honourable mentions: Shihui Shangguan for “Revisiting Low Shapely Value Points: Are They Really Noisy?” and Mandy Tu for “Renewing Solidarity: Uncovering the History of Labour Studies at York."
“DARE offers our students a transformative research experience,” says LA&PS Interim Dean Kathryn McPherson. “In addition to learning how to conduct research, DARE is also about discovering how their ideas can shape conversations, communities and policy. The program gives students the tools and mentorship to explore complex questions and contribute meaningfully to global challenges.”
Student researchers explored a wide range of topics with global relevance, including climate change, health equity, education systems, migration and identity, gender justice, digital innovation, governance, economics and creative expression.
See the full list of 2025 DARE participants and their projects.