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Commonwealth University students present research at Northeast Regional Honors Council annual conference

Pa. (06/25/2025) — Three students from Commonwealth University's Eileen G. Jones Honors College presented their research at the Northeast Regional Honors Council (NRHC) annual conference in Harrisburg this spring.

CU-Lock Haven student Braedon Campbell, of Enola, presented a poster titled, "A Crossroads of Healthcare: United Kingdom Physician Associates;" CU-Lock Haven student Rose Jeffes, of Hatboro, presented a poster titled "The Importance of Racial Ethnic Socialization in Transracial Adoption;" and CU-Bloomsburg student Matthew Yurkunas, of Palmerton, presented a poster titled, "Berlin's Startup Revolution: Navigating Culture, Innovation and Challenges."

"My time at the NRHC conference was enriching and motivating to continue in my review and research in the adoption category," Jeffes said. "I enjoyed discussing my interest in my field of study as well as learning about other individuals' interests and future career goals."

"It was an honor to present at the NRHC alongside students from across Pennsylvania with diverse backgrounds," Yurkunas said. "Every student at the conference demonstrated exceptional dedication to their research and the conversations we shared were incredibly valuable in expanding my understanding of many different fields."

Campbell, who's career goal is to become a physician associate, created his capstone project presentation around information he learned during his time studying abroad in Glasgow, Scotland, combined with his interest in social sciences.

"I analyzed the current implementation of PAs in the UK, and it was incredibly rewarding presenting that information," Campbell said. "I also got to learn so much from other presentations, especially regarding healthcare inequalities, which was extremely interesting."

The students were accompanied at the conference by John Hintz, interim dean of honors and interdisciplinary studies; Dr. Peter Doerschler, CU-Bloomsburg honors program director; and Dr. Holle Canatella, CU-Lock Haven history faculty member.

The NRHC is an organization of students, faculty and administrators dedicated to the encouragement and support of undergraduate honors learning. The NRHC provides its members with opportunities for the exchange of information, ideas and assistance through its annual conference, newsletter and scholarships.