Discovery in Action Poster Forum Competition

The forum aims to showcase student research, projects, and capstones that exemplify the theme "Discovery in Action." This event provides a platform for students to present their work, exchange ideas, and engage with peers, faculty, and industry professionals.

Finalist will present their Poster at the Discovery in Action Showcase on November 7th from 3-7pm.

Application Process

Eligibility:

  • Open to all students enrolled in an Arts and Sciences Bachelors, Masters or PhD program who have completed a research project, capstone, or similar work that ties into the theme of "Discovery in Action."
  • Group projects are eligible. All team members must be listed on the application. 
  • Each student may only submit one project/be on one project team submission. 
  • In order for the research project, capstone, or similar work to be eligible you must have worked on it while enrolled in an Arts and Sciences Bachelors, Masters or PhD program and in some way be related to your program. 

Application Process:

Required Documents:

  • Abstract (200 words max):
    • For Natural and Social Sciences students:
      Clearly state the research question/ project purpose, methodology/process, and outcomes.
    • For Humanities students:
      Clearly describe the project, methods or techniques, and overall aims.
  • Poster Title
  • Contact Information for Presenter(s)
  • Advisor/Mentor Contact Information for Approval 
    • We will be reaching out to your advisor/mentor to confirm your involvement with the project and in the case of research that they are ok with it being presented at this phase.  

Selection Criteria (Round 1):

The following is the judging criteria for the first round of the competition. Submissions selected to move on from this round of judging will present at the Discovery in Action Showcase on November 7th.
  • Relevance to the theme "Discovery in Action"
  • Innovation and originality of the research/project
  • Clarity of description, objectives, methods and/or techniques
  • Potential impact and contribution to the field
  • Up to 3 undergraduate and 3 graduate student submissions will be selected per division to present at the Discovery in Action Showcase.

Notification of Acceptance:

Applicants will be notified of their acceptance via email by October 11th

Rules & Guidelines for Presentation:

Poster Specifications:

  • Size: Posters must be 48" Wide x 36" High.
  • Content: Posters should include:
    • Title, Author(s), and Institution
    • Introduction/Background
    • Research Question/Problem Statement/Description of Project
    • Methodology/Process/Techniques
    • Findings/Results/Aims
    • Conclusion/Implications
  • Format: Posters must be professionally printed and mounted. Handwritten posters are not permitted. Handwriting may be included in the graphics if it relates to your project. 
  • Printing: Posters will be printed by the college if submitted by noon on October 24th

Poster Template (optional)

Presentation:

  • Each presenter will have a designated space to display their poster.
  • Presenters are required to be at their posters during the entire forum to engage with attendees and answer questions.
  • Dress code is business casual.

Judging:

  • Posters will be judged by a panel of faculty and alumni experts based on:
    • Clarity of presentation
    • Relevance to the theme
    • Visual impact of the poster design
    • Engagement with the audience during the presentation

Awards:

  • Certificates and Awards will be given for Best Undergraduate Poster($1000), Best Graduate Poster($1000), and People’s Choice Award($500).
    • Winnings will be divided amongst all student participants if there is group participation.
    • Contest winners will be awarded through catalyst. Prizes may impact existing student financial aid awards. Before prizes are awarded the college will check and advise the winners of any potential impact.
    • Each submission will only be eligible to win one category. 

Poster Creation Guidelines:

Reminder:

  • Ensure the abstract clearly aligns with the theme "Discovery in Action."
  • Avoid jargon; abstracts should be understandable to a broad audience.

Poster Content:

  • For Humanities students:
    • Introduction: Overview of topic or theme, purpose, and key objectives.
    • Methods or Techniques: Should include description of analytical approach or creative genre, texts (including literature, film, art objects, public discourse, etc.) referenced, and any technical or stylistic details
    • Results: Highlight key findings and innovative techniques
    • Conclusion: Overview of main findings/end results, highlight their significance, address implications and suggest future work done in the area.
  • For Social and Natural Sciences students:
    • Introduction: Overview of topic or theme, purpose, and key objectives.
    • Methods: Should include approach, materials used, procedures/process followed, data collection techniques, and if there is analysis how it was conducted in the work. 
    • Results: Highlight key findings and significant outcomes using visuals such as graphs, graphics and charts for clarity.
    • Conclusion: Overview of main findings/end results, highlight their significance, address implications and suggest future work done in the area.

Engagement:

  • Be prepared to discuss the work in depth but also explain it succinctly to those unfamiliar with the subject. 
  • Practice explaining the poster to both specialists and non-specialists.

Visuals:

  • Use high-resolution images and clear, readable fonts.
  • Avoid clutter; keep text concise and focused on key points.

Resources for Poster