Graduate Research Showcase

Graduate Research Showcase | Sam Houston State University

About

The Graduate Research Showcase is a celebration of graduate student scholarship, creativity, and discovery. Bringing together students from across the university, the event offers an opportunity to share research, receive feedback, and connect with fellow graduate students. Through oral presentations, posters, and creative displays, the Graduate Research Showcase highlights the important contributions of graduate students to research at Sam Houston State University.

Event Information

Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Location: NGL Library

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Important Dates

Registration & Abstract Submission Opens
January 27, 2026
Registration & Abstract Submission Closes
Friday, March 20, 2026

Scholarships

Four $1,000 scholarships will be awarded:

  • Two scholarships for poster presentations
  • Two scholarships for oral presentations
  • Abstract Submission Guidelines

    Graduate students wishing to present at the Graduate Student Research Symposium must submit an abstract in accordance with the following guidelines.



    Eligibility

    • Submissions are open to currently enrolled graduate students
    • Research may be completed, in progress, or proposed
    • Submissions from all disciplines are welcome

    Presentation Formats

    Applicants may choose one of the following:

    • Oral Presentation
    • Poster Presentation

    *Indicate your presentation format during registration and abstract submission.

    Abstract Content

    Abstracts should clearly and concisely address the following:

    • Research title
    • Purpose or research question
    • Brief description of methods or approach
    • Key findings or expected outcomes (if available)
    • Significance or contribution of the work
    • Avoid jargon

    Formatting Requirements

    • Abstract length: 250–300 words
    • Font: Times New Roman, 12-point
    • Spacing: Single-spaced
    • File format: PDF or Word document

    Abstract Submission Deadline: Friday, March 20, 2026

  • Oral Presentation Guidelines

    Graduate students presenting orally at the Graduate Student Research Symposium should follow the guidelines below to ensure a smooth and professional presentation.

    Presentation Format & Timing

    Total time: 12–15 minutes per presenter (+ 3–5 minutes Q&A).

    You will be allotted 12–15 minutes for your presentation. If your presentation is outside this time range, work with TGPS staff or your advisor to expand or condense the content as needed.

    A session moderator will signal when time is nearly finished.

    Supplies

    Your presentation room will come equipped with:

    • PC
    • Projector and screen

    If your presentation includes PowerPoint or video, please test all visuals prior to the conference. Presentations must be saved on a PC-compatible flash drive, and at least one backup copy should be maintained in case of technical issues.

  • Poster Presentation Guidelines

    Graduate students presenting posters at the Graduate Student Research Symposium should follow the guidelines below to ensure proper formatting, submission, and display.

    Poster Size

    Standard U.S. conference poster size is 48" x 36". You may design your poster using one of the following widths: 24, 36, or 42 inches.

    Your poster size must not exceed 48" x 36".

    You can find tips on creating a conference poster on this page .

    File Format

    Adobe PDF is the preferred file format. Image formats such as JPEG, PNG, or TIFF are also acceptable.

    Posters will be printed at the NGL Library Print Shop. Details about their poster printing services can be found at: NGL Library TechShop

    Poster Submission

    You will submit a digital copy of your poster to the Graduate & Professional School. TGPS will submit all posters to the NGL Library TechShop for printing.

    Poster Submission Deadline: Monday, March 23

    You must submit a digital copy of your poster in PDF or image format (e.g., JPEG, PNG, TIFF) by Monday, March 23.

    Before submitting, ensure that the PDF or image file is sized to the final print dimensions to help the printing process run smoothly.

    Submit a digital file of your poster to Nabanita Baruah at nxb031@shsu.edu.

    Supplies

    Easels and materials to hang your poster will be provided.