April 28, 2026
It’s showtime for research projects across St. Mary’s University.
The University’s Annual Research Showcase begins Wednesday, April 29, and continues Thursday, April 30.
This year’s theme, From ideas to impact: scholarship for a changing world, will feature a diverse range of presenters who contribute to the academic community at St. Mary’s.
The Research Showcase is an annual two-day research conference featuring events such as a poster symposium, oral presentations, a keynote speaker, an awards ceremony and more. The annual event is put on by the University Research Council, which comprises faculty and staff from across campus.
This year’s keynote speaker is Assistant Professor of Exercise and Sport Science Sven Hoekstra, Ph.D. The speaker, along with an awards ceremony, is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, in the University Center, Mengler Conference Room.
A full list of events can be found here.
“St. Mary’s believes in developing our students, faculty and staff to become leaders and influence the world around us,” said Director of Scholarly Communications and Outreach and University Research Committee member Katherine Thonen. “The Research Showcase is a dedicated time to highlight those efforts and good work. It is a time for us to celebrate what was done and take stock of where we want to go in the future.”
Types of research activities
During oral presentations, faculty often share findings from their year-long research projects and students present original research.
Poster presenters visually display their research or creative projects on posters. These sessions provide a dynamic, interactive forum for presenters to engage in detailed discussions; receive feedback; and connect with peers, faculty and visitors.
This year, a new event called Lab Olympics will be held on Wednesday alongside the Research Showcase in the Alumni Athletics & Convocation Center Movement Studio. Pre-registered teams of four will participate during one of two sessions, from 9:15 to 10 a.m., and from 11:15 a.m. to noon. Events will include a map challenge, precision pours into a graduated cylinder and a fingerprint lift challenge.
Thursday is the scheduled Alternative Day of Learning and undergraduate classes will not convene as regularly scheduled. Attendance will be recorded through a QR code for participants to scan and check-in. Attendance for each session will be provided to faculty the week after Research Showcase.