NEWTON, Mass. — Two local Lasell University students recently shared original research and projects, and engaged with core competencies identified by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, at the annual Career Readiness Symposium.

Iva Willis of New Vineyard presented an original research project on the intersection of sociology and criminology, “Drug and Alcohol Abuse.” The presentation incorporated the association’s  competencies of professionalism and career and self-development.

Sydney Veilleux of Skowhegan shared a 10-minute presentation, “Racial Injustices in the Prison System.”

“There is racism in the prison system and this project does a deep dive of what that means and how it is seen. It also shows how the system reacts to white men in the system versus black men and how they differ their reactions. This is so important because it is a huge act of racism that happens everyday, but is so commonly overlooked,” Veilleux said in a news release from the university.

Veilleux also presented the latest edition of Polished, Lasell’s student-run fashion magazine. Veilleux is a member of the magazine’s social media team and a blog writer.