Registration period from February 20 to March 10th
Awards Winners
| Award Name | Amount | Group | Format | Name |
| Outstanding Oral Presentation Award | $250 | 1 | Oral | Madelyn Rosenthal |
| Outstanding Oral Presentation Award | $250 | 2 | Oral | Bishal Pokhrel |
| Outstanding Oral Presentation Award | $250 | 3 | Oral | Peter Oyewole |
| Outstanding Oral Presentation Award | $250 | 4 | Oral | Zakaria Siddiquee |
| Outstanding Oral Presentation Award | $250 | 5 | Oral | Alyssa Novak |
| Outstanding Oral Presentation Award | $250 | 6 | Oral | Dayanara Moore |
| Outstanding Oral Presentation Award | $250 | 7 | Oral | Nicole Malcolm |
| Outstanding Oral Presentation Award | $250 | 8 | Oral | Joshua Behler |
| Outstanding Poster Presentation Award | $250 | 9 | Poster | Elizabeth Galehouse |
| Outstanding Poster Presentation Award | $250 | 10 | Poster | Faeze Shiralipour |
| Outstanding Poster Presentation Award | $250 | 11 | Poster | Caden Hearn |
| Outstanding Poster Presentation Award | $250 | 12 | Poster | Arina Bratamidjaja |
| Outstanding Poster Presentation Award | $250 | 13 | Poster | Kelley Gallagher |
| Outstanding Poster Presentation Award | $250 | 14 | Poster | Sydney Moon |
| Outstanding Poster Presentation Award | $250 | 15 | Poster | Janan Alfehaid |
| Outstanding Art Presentation Award | $250 | 16 | Art | Ibukunoluwa Odejimi |
| Outstanding Presentation & Science Communication Award First Place |
$500 | Kent FlashTalk | Mart Andrew Maravillas | |
| Outstanding Presentation & Science Communication Award Second Place |
$300 | Kent FlashTalk | Jackson Jin | |
| Outstanding Presentation & Science Communication Award Third Place |
$200 | Kent FlashTalk | Sneha Awhale |
Welcome to the 40th Graduate Research Symposium!
The Graduate Research Symposium is Kent State University’s premier event for graduate students, offering a unique platform to share and celebrate their research achievements. This year’s theme “Science Communication and Public Speaking” highlights the importance of effectively communicating research beyond academic audiences. Whether you are presenting, judging, or attending, the symposium offers a unique opportunity to explore how strong communication can bridge science and society.
"Science Communication and Public Speaking"
Thursday & Friday, March 19th & 20th
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
About the symposium
The 40th Graduate Research Symposium marks a major milestone in Kent State’s legacy of celebrating graduate student excellence. This year’s program is designed as a platform to empower graduate students research and presentation, celebrate achievements, and foster collaboration, inspiration, and community among researchers from all disciplines.
The symposium provides an inclusive environment where graduate students can:
- Present their research and creative work,
- Receive constructive feedback,
- Engage with peers and faculty, and
- Compete for financial awards and university-wide recognition.
New for 2026: Introducing the Kent FlashTalk!
To commemorate the 40th anniversary, and reflect on our theme, we are thrilled to debut an exciting new presentation format: the Kent FlashTalk. This format invites participants to deliver short, engaging talks tailored for a general audience, emphasizing clarity, storytelling, and enthusiasm.
Designed to align with this year’s theme, Science Communication and Public Speaking, the Kent FlashTalk challenges presenters to distill complex ideas into accessible and inspiring messages. It’s an opportunity to take the stage in an auditorium-style setting and share your research in a way that captivates and connects with a broader community.
In addition to the Kent FlashTalk, the symposium continues to feature traditional Oral and Poster Presentations, as well as Art Performances and Exhibitions that showcase the creativity and diversity of Kent State’s graduate community.
The event will also include vibrant social activities, creating a dynamic, interdisciplinary atmosphere that celebrates the intersection of research, art, and communication.
Kent FlashTalk Guidelines
As a FlashTalk presenter, please note the following specific guidelines for this high-energy session:
-
Location & Time: The session will take place in the Kiva Auditorium on Friday morning (March 20th) between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
-
Format: Presentations are strictly limited to 4 minutes and 5 slides maximum. A timer will be provided during the session; please note that no extra time can be granted.
-
Audience: Your presentation must be oriented toward a general audience. Please use plain language and minimize technical jargon to ensure your research is accessible to all disciplines.
-
Preparation: We highly encourage you to practice your presentation several times. You may find it helpful to watch examples of short-form presentations, such as “3-Minute Thesis” (3MT) or short TED Talks (5 minutes or less).
-
Recording and Media Release: Please be aware that the full session will be recorded and may be published on YouTube and the GSS website.
- Slide Submission: Your final slides must be uploaded no later than Sunday, March 15th, by midnight. No updates can be made after this deadline. A link to upload your slides will be sent to you via email alongside the technical program.
Presentation Formats
A new and exciting addition to the symposium! Kent FlashTalk gives presenters the opportunity to deliver a short (4 minutes and 5 slides), engaging presentation to a general audience in an auditorium-style setting. This is a great way to practice your public speaking skills and communicate your research to a broad audience. Valuable awards will be offered for top ranked presenters.
Each session will consist of 60-90 minutes, with each speaker given 12 minutes to present, followed by 3 minutes of Q&A. Sessions will be organized by specialization, though similar disciplines may be grouped together. More details on session breakdowns will be shared in the technical program in March 2026.
A 2-hour session where presenters will stand by their physical posters in the Poster Hall and engage with visitors and judges. This is an excellent opportunity for in-depth discussion and feedback on your work.
Poster Guideline:
We do not have a strict format or size requirement to accommodate submissions across disciplines. However, for best fit and presentation, we recommend following the academic standard of 36″ x 48″.
Posters can be printed on either paper or fabric. Posters can be printed at the Fashion School’s TechStyle Lab (open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm) on a first-come, first-served basis for a cost of $36. We also recommend checking with your department if they have printing resources.
In addition to academic presentations, we invite artists to showcase their work through performance or exhibition. If you’d like to participate, please register in advance to secure a designated space for your art.
Keynote Speaker
Michael A. Beam, Ph.D., is a Professor in the School of Emerging Media and Technology. As a leading interdisciplinary scholar, his research explores the intersection of technology, media, design, and behavioral science. With more than 40 academic publications in top-tier journals such as New Media & Society, Public Opinion Quarterly, and the Journal of Health Communication, Dr. Beam examines how algorithmic recommendation systems and digital platforms influence everything from political polarization to public health.
Committed to public engagement, his research has been featured in media outlets including The Atlantic, The New Yorker, The Guardian, and the front page of reddit. He has collaborated with organizations including Meta, Spotify, and the U.S. Department of State.
Dr. Beam’s expertise is rooted in theory and practice. Before his career as a social scientist and academic, he spent over a decade working as a computer network technologist and system administrator. This background informs his approach to science communication—connecting the mechanics of system design with the social realities of human interaction.
Dr. Beam is dedicated to graduate student development through teaching and collaboration. He was awarded the Lawrence W. Hugenberg Graduate Student Mentoring Award from the Kent State Communication Graduate Student Association.
In line with the theme of “Science Communication and Public Speaking,” his keynote will address the challenges of designing impactful research in a crowded digital landscape and strategies for connecting complex science with organizations and the public.
Research Highlights:
- Algorithmic Personalization: Investigating how news filters shape our information environment.
- Digital Platform Dynamics: Analyzing how system design choices impact user experience.
- Health & Politics: Examining the role of digital media in shaping attitudes and behaviors in elections and vaccine decisions.
What to expect
Awards and Recognition
The Graduate Research Symposium will recognize the top presenters across all categories, with more than $6,000 in awards available for the top ranked Kent FlashTalk, oral, poster, and artistic presentations. Additionally, recognition awards will be given for outstanding contributions to the graduate community.
Award Ceremony & Luncheon
The symposium will culminate in an exciting awards ceremony after the Award Lunch and Key note Speaker on March 20th, where the top presenters will be recognized and awarded with more than $6,000 in prizes. In addition, various recognition awards will be announced for significant contributions to the graduate student community.
Judges' Lottery and Recognition
Judges will also be recognized for their valuable contribution to the success of the event, with a special lottery for prizes.
Networking Opportunities, professional TBD activities
The symposium offers various opportunities to meet and network with peers, faculty, and professionals in a collaborative and creative atmosphere. In additon, we will coordinate for services like professional photo both and more TBA.
Dining Experience, Coffee & Refreshments
Enjoy a delightful dining experience during the award ceremony luncheon on March 20th, featuring delicious food and the opportunity to celebrate the symposium’s achievements. Complimentary coffee and refreshments will be provided throughout both days of the event.
Parking and Amenities
-
Complimentary Parking: Convenient on-site parking is available for all registered participants.
-
Speaker Ready Room: A dedicated space for presenters to review their materials and perform final technical checks.
-
Adjudication Chamber: A private suite reserved for the judging panel’s deliberations.
Important Dates
| Graduate Research Symposium 2026 Important Dates (KSC, 19-20 March) | |
| Presenters’ application | |
| Abstract Submission is Open (Oral, Poster, or KentFlash Talk) | January 5th, 2026 |
| Abstract Submission Deadline (extended) | February 13th,2026 |
| Notifications of Acceptance to Authors | February 20th,2026 |
|
Judges’ application |
|
| Judges’ application is Open | January 5th, 2026 |
| Judges’ application Deadline | February 13th,2026 |
|
Registration |
|
| Registration Opens | February 20th,2026 |
| Registration Closes | March 10th,2026 |
| Technical Program | |
| Technical Program Online | March 5th,2026 |
| Notifications of Presentation designation to Authors | March 5th,2026 |
|
Graduate Research Symposium 2026 |
|
| Oral and Poster presentations | March 19th ,2026 |
| Kent FlashTalk, Keynote speaker, and award ceremony | March 20th ,2026 |
Register now (Deadline March 10th)
Abstract submission is closed.
Organizers:
Programming Chair
Esmaeel Adrah
PhD Candidate
Department of Geography
Programming Committee
Sarvinaz Hajiyeva
PhD Candidate
Biomedical Sciences
Bansriben Raj
PhD Student
Biomedical Sciences
Ananya Nair
PhD Student
NeuroScience
Fathima Nafla Shafi Mohamed, PhD Student
Biomedical Sciences
Darcy McTigue
Master Student (Senator)
School of Art
Uzma Jabeen
PhD Candidate (Senator)
Geography
Kolapo Fasina
PhD Candidate
Biomedical Sciences
Michael Ajenikoko
PhD Candidate
Biomedical Sciences
Dayanara Lohr
PhD Candidate Biomedical Sciences – Neuroscience
Diego Moscoso Gonzales
Master Student (Senator)
School of Fashion
Isaac Bolaji
PhD Student (Senator)
Teaching, Learning, and Curriculum
GSS Executive Board & Advisors
Sekhar Mamidi
GSS advisor & student success manager
Shiza Nisar
GSS Executive Chair & PhD Student
Theorose Dzineku
GSS Information Service Chair & PhD Student
Masum Ikbal Patwary
GSS Finance Chair & PhD Candidate
Kerry Wagner
Senior Business Manager
See you then!
We look forward to seeing you at the 40th Graduate Research Symposium and celebrating the continued success and growth of Kent State’s graduate research community. For more details and to register, please visit our website.
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)