Princeton, NJ – February 12th, 2025 – Rocky and Mathey Colleges are proud to share the second annual RoMa Research Reception, an event that allows undergraduate students to showcase their independent research projects to peers, staff, and faculty fellows. The reception was held on Wednesday, January 29th, in the Mathey Common Room and highlighted the innovative and diverse academic pursuits of undergraduates at Princeton University.

The RoMa Research Reception provides an annual opportunity for students to share their research (completed or in progress) in a collaborative and supportive environment within their residential college. This event is part of an ongoing effort to foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and scholarly exchange at Rocky and Mathey Colleges. Students’ projects cover a wide range of disciplines, reflecting the broad academic interests and talents of the undergraduate community. In addition to student presentations, the reception featured interactive discussions between presenters and attendees, encouraging dialogue and inquisition among students, faculty, and staff. 

The RoMa Research Reception is the product of a collaborative vision of the Assistant Dean for Studies at Rocky, Dr. Nicholas Tippenhauer, and the Assistant Dean forStudies at Mathey, Dr. Natalia Córdova Sánchez. While other large-format opportunities at Princeton exist for students to showcase their research (like Princeton Research Day), the Assistant Deans wanted a chance for students to share their academic interests within the residential community. They also sought to engage student leaders such as Residential College Advisors (RCAs) and Peer-Academic Advisors (PAAs), so that their student advisees could have a chance to learn more about the academic pursuits of those they already share a social relationship with.

According to Dr. Tippenhauer, the reception was based on the idea that “it’s okay for students to come with projects that are not done”. Dr. Córdova also hopes to encourage more students to present unfinished projects, stressing the importance of research as a process as opposed to the final product. Both hope that future receptions afford younger students an opportunity to understand the creativity and perseverance needed to successfully complete an independent research project, which is required of all Princeton undergraduates. 

The third RoMa Research Reception, scheduled for February 2026, promises to expand its reach to graduate students who are a part of the residential college community. Plans for the Resident Graduate Students (RGSs) to assist with the development of presentations, or even present their own research, are underway. Both colleges look forward to continuing the RoMa Research Reception and contributing to the vibrant academic communities at Rocky and Mathey in the future.