Part of the Undergraduate Research Program, the URC highlights MCLA's commitment to nurturing a dynamic culture of research: inquiry, exploration, and mentorship and we encourage you to explore the many ways MCLA students are making an impact in their disciplines and communities.
Presentation guidelines: Paper and creative writing presentations will be limited to 15-20 minutes, including Q&A. Time limits on performances will be set once we know how many submissions we receive. Posters will be available during the poster session. Visual artwork will remain on display throughout the conference. Special session presentations will be of variable length depending on the number of papers in that session.
Abstracts are due by Friday, March 14th! Submit your abstract.
Bentley Munsell is a queer, transgender man, registered nurse, nursing leader, social justice and DEIB advocate in rural New England. Bentley began advocating for the LGBTQIA+ community in healthcare settings in 2016. Bentley is a founding member of the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC) Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging committee. With his cadre of peers, the SVHC DEIB committee has lead outreach efforts with the LGBTQIA+ community since 2019, has implemented training and education programs on inclusive healthcare for general orientation, new nurse residents at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center. Additionally, Bentley has partnered with local, state and national groups share knowledge about inclusive nursing care; LGBTQIA+ health, wellbeing and lived experience. In his spare time Bentley enjoys spending time with his husband, two dogs (Freddie and Murphy), crafting, and playing video/computer games. Bentley has his Bachelor of Science with a major in Nursing from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Initially trained as an Emergency Department nurse, Bentley is now the clinical nurse manager for SVMC’s ExpressCare – a same day clinic that sees an average of 60 patients per day. Bentley is currently enrolled in a Master of Science in nursing program at Colby-Sawyer College.
Check back for more information as we solidify our schedule! View the 2024 URC Program.
For questions, contact Whitney Gecker Chair of Undergraduate Research or Clio Stearns Associate Chair of Undergraduate Research.
