Creighton students selected to present research at BIG EAST Symposium at Madison Square Garden
Five Creighton University undergraduate researchers will present their work at the 2026 BIG EAST Undergraduate Research Poster Symposium, held March 14 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
The annual event brings together student researchers from all 11 BIG EAST institutions to share projects across disciplines including science, healthcare, business and the humanities. Selected students present their research during the conference tournament weekend, with top projects recognized during the BIG EAST Men’s Basketball Championship.
The symposium reflects Creighton’s commitment to undergraduate research as a core part of the student experience. Through programs supported by the Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (CURAS), students collaborate with faculty mentors, pursue original research and present their work at conferences across the country.
Ty Monson: Advancing Research on Potential ALS Treatments
Ty Monson, a senior biochemistry major from Phoenix, Arizona, is studying new ways to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a devastating neurodegenerative disease with few effective therapies.
His research explores how specially designed nanoparticles could deliver promising drugs more effectively to help treat the disease.
“As someone who loves sports, the BIG EAST Symposium is an opportunity to represent Creighton on a national stage and showcase the academic strength Creighton brings to the conference,” Monson said.
Daniel Cline: Searching for New Antibiotics
Daniel Cline, a junior from Columbus, Nebraska, double majoring in biochemistry and mathematics with a minor in biology, is researching ways to identify new antibiotics to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
His project focuses on improving a laboratory method that allows scientists to quickly screen compounds and identify those that may be effective at killing harmful bacteria responsible for illnesses such as food poisoning and staph infections.
“Representing Creighton at this event means being part of a select group of students trusted to conduct high-level research and explain why it matters beyond our field,” Cline said. “It also brings me one step closer to my goal of earning a PhD and conducting biomedical research that helps improve lives.”
Rachel Malander: Using AI to Prepare Nursing Students for Difficult Conversations
Rachel Malander, a senior nursing major from Albion, Nebraska, is exploring how artificial intelligence can help nursing students prepare for difficult healthcare conversations.
Her research focuses on an AI-powered chatbot that simulates challenging patient interactions, allowing nursing students to practice therapeutic communication and receive feedback in a safe learning environment.
“Communication directly affects patient safety, trust and health outcomes. When nurses communicate clearly and respond calmly in difficult situations, patients feel heard and respected,” Malander said.
Hannah Pflum: Studying Brain Immune Responses to Viral Infection
Hannah Pflum, a senior neuroscience major with minors in biology and studio art from Columbus, Nebraska, is studying how viral infections can affect the brain.
Her research examines how certain molecules influence the behavior of microglia, the immune cells of the brain, during infection, helping scientists better understand why some infections increase the risk of neurological diseases later in life.
“I’ve wanted to present at the BIG EAST Symposium since I first heard about it as a freshman,” Pflum said. “I love communicating my research and showing others the exciting work happening at Creighton.”
Jakob Schmit: Studying Safer Approaches to Pain Treatment
Jakob Schmit, a senior neuroscience and psychology major from Pleasant Dale, Nebraska, is researching ways to make pain treatment safer while maintaining effective relief.
His project studies whether combining low doses of morphine with ketamine can provide the same level of pain relief while reducing the severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms, helping improve treatment options for people living with chronic pain.
“It is a huge honor to represent Creighton on the national stage at the BIG EAST Research Symposium,” Schmit said. “This opportunity reflects all of the support and growth I have experienced at Creighton.”
Students selected for the BIG EAST Undergraduate Research Poster Symposium represent some of the most promising undergraduate researchers across the nation. For Creighton, the event highlights how early research opportunities and strong faculty mentorship help students move from classroom learning to meaningful discovery.
As these students present their work at Madison Square Garden, they are not only sharing their research with peers from across the BIG EAST. They are demonstrating how Creighton students are contributing new ideas and solutions to challenges in science, healthcare and society.
