The Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (SURCA) will take place today, beginning with two rounds of judging before a public viewing and awards ceremony in the afternoon.

College of Nursing student Sara Van Natta, one of many participants, will present her research on suicide prevention training.

Van Natta’s research found that while more than half of the states have mandated suicide prevention training for public school teachers, only seven have similar policies in place for healthcare professionals.

“It’s one of the biggest and most preventable health care concerns,” she said.

Van Natta said one of the questions that prompted her to look more into suicide prevention was the number of friends and patients whose lives had been affected by suicide or suicide attempts.

“It’s so important for me to look at ways that people can learn to prevent that,” Van Natta said.

The most recent update for suicide prevention education in the state came about in 2016 when the House of Representatives passed House Bill 2793, which aims to increase education by working with firearms dealers, ranges, pharmacies and healthcare providers.

Students will present their research today from 3:30 –5 p.m., in the CUB Senior Ballroom, after which the awards ceremony will take place from 5 – 5:45 p.m. in the CUB Auditorium.