The Universities of Wisconsin Symposium for Undergraduate Research, Scholarly, and Creative Activity was held in Madison, Wisconsin on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
With nearly 150 presentations, the Symposium highlighted the diversity, breadth of expertise, and the life-changing and career-launching power of undergraduate research ongoing across the UWs, and it showcased the creativity, scholarship, and innovation that are at the core of the Universities of Wisconsin. The symposium program for this year’s event contains presentation abstracts and other information for the symposium. Thank you for joining us in celebrating the extraordinary work by UWs students and their faculty mentors! It was truly an inspiring event!
Keynote Seminar Presented by Robert G. Hancock
Unveiling the Wonders of One of Nature’s Most Misunderstood Creatures…Tiny Bloodsuckers, Big Impacts
Behind a screened wall in a bustling laboratory at MSU Denver, students immerse themselves in hands-on research. Among cages of exotic mosquitoes, jars of hungry bedbugs, flight tunnels, and humming incubators, a singular mission drives their work—discovery. Here, undergraduate scientists and artists embark on eye-opening and life-changing journeys, uncovering their passions and paving the way for fulfilling careers. For decades, this has been the world of “MosquitoMan,” Dr. Robert Hancock, and the hundreds of students he has mentored. This dynamic keynote highlights the power of research and artistic expression, showcasing how students are not only shaping their own futures but also leaving a lasting impact on their mentor and the world.
UW Symposium Detailed Presentation Schedules
Art Display Schedule
Click the following link to review the art display schedule:
Art Projects will be on display in the Profile Room on the 2nd Floor of the Memorial Union from 11:00 – 12:00 pm. Presentations are organized by the name of the person who submitted the abstract.
Art Display Set-up
Individuals should plan to set up their art display no later than 10:45 am. Individuals should plan to set up their art display no later than 10:45 am. Presenters are asked to be at their display during the assigned time.
Poster Presentations & Project Display Schedules
Click the following link to review the poster and project display schedule:
Poster Presentation & Project Display Schedules
Poster Presentations and Project Displays (in poster format) will be held in Tripp Commons on the 2nd Floor of the Memorial Union. There are two sessions: Session I from 11:00 – 12:00 pm and Session II from 1:45 – 2:45 pm. Presentations are organized by the name of the person who submitted the abstract. Please review the schedule to identify time and poster number for your presentation, and plan to present your poster to attendees during your scheduled time.
Poster Set-up
Your poster should be no larger than 48 inches in height and 48 inches in width. Individuals should plan to set up their posters at the times listed below to ensure that posters are ready for the respective session. Pushpins to hang posters will be provided.
- For Session I: individuals should set up their poster no later than 10:45 am. It is recommended that you hang your poster upon arrival at the event.
- For Session II: individuals should set up their poster between 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm.
Oral Presentation Schedule
Click the following link to review the oral presentation schedule:
The session for Oral Presentations is scheduled from 9:45 am – 11:00 am, and there are concurrent sessions that are held in multiple rooms. Presentations are organized by the name of the person who submitted the abstract for the symposium. Please review the schedule to identify your assigned time and room location. Please be note that presenters should plan to remain in the room for the entire duration of the session (or until the end of the last scheduled presentation).
Oral presentations are limited to 10 minutes with 3 minutes for questions and answers. While PowerPoint is the preferred presentation format and will be available on all computers in the oral session rooms, you may certainly present without the use of PowerPoint if you would prefer to use other visuals (video, demonstrations, speeches, project display, etc). However, please be aware that presenters will be required to use the PC computer provided in the room. Please plan to bring your presentation on an external hard drive (flash drive). You may want to also have a back-up method as well (ability to download from email, SharePoint, or OneDrive). Presenters are asked to arrive at their assigned room location at 9:30 am to load your presentation onto the PC computer provided in the room.
Performance Schedule
Click the following link to review the performance schedule:
The session for Performances is scheduled from 9:45 am – 11:00 am in the Old Madison room on the 3rd floor of Memorial Union. Please review the schedule to identify your assigned time and room location.
Performances are limited to 20 minutes with 3 minutes for questions and answers. A PC computer that is connected to a projector and sound system in the room will be available. Presenters are asked to arrive at their assigned room location at 9:30 am to load any materials onto the PC computer provided in the room. Please plan to bring any visuals or presentation on an external hard drive (flashdrive). You may want to also have a back-up method as well (ability to download from email, SharePoint, or OneDrive).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I participate in the symposium?
The symposium provides students with an opportunity to showcase their work, develop presentation skills, inspire new ideas, engage with students from other universities, network with professionals, and gain feedback to refine their research. Additionally, presenting their work builds confidence, fosters a sense of community, and enhances their resume for future academic or career opportunities.
Can I attend the symposium if I am not presenting?
Absolutely! Everyone is welcome to attend. Come to learn more about the research, scholarly and creative projects in which students across the UW universities are engaged, gain information on how they became involved in their projects, or come to support your friend or family member.
My project has multiple authors. Should everyone submit the presentation abstract?
No. Please designate one individual as the primary author. The primary author will submit the abstract on behalf of the entire team. All other coauthors who are co-presenting or attending the event should register using the symposium registration form.
Do I need to have a mentor for my abstract to be accepted?
Yes, all students submitting an abstract will be asked to provide information for the individual who mentored or guided their work.
Can I present research conducted outside my home university?
Yes, students can present research performed at other universities/institutions, provided that their mentor agrees that it’s appropriate to present the work.
Can I present my project if it is not currently completed?
Of course! Projects may be in progress. We encourage you to discuss your project with your project mentor to confirm that it will be ready for the symposium.
Can I submit an abstract with preliminary findings?
Yes, we accept abstracts for research in all stages.
I have more than one project. Can I submit more than one abstract?
Yes. Please complete separate abstract submission forms for each project.
Is it okay for me to submit an abstract that I have already submitted to or used for another conference?
Yes, we don’t have any prohibitions for submitting abstracts used for other conferences. Please confirm with your mentor that you’re permitted to present the work at multiple conferences.
Where and when will my presentation be held?
All presentations will take place in Memorial Union on Saturday, May 3rd; however, specific details for presentation times won’t be available until after the abstract submission deadline has passed. The symposium organizers will send an update with specific time, room, etc when the schedule has been finalized.
I’m giving a poster presentation. Are there size limitations for the poster? How will I hang my poster?
Yes, your poster should be no larger than 48 inches in height and 48 inches in width. The symposium venue will provide pushpins for hanging posters.
Are my family and friends permitted to attend?
Absolutely! Family and friends are welcome to attend the symposium. We ask that anyone attending the symposium register for the event.
Will I be assigned a presentation timeslot?
Yes, a time for your presentation will be assigned after abstract submission has closed and a schedule has been finalized.
What should I expect during the presentation?
Presentations can take various forms, including oral presentations, poster sessions, art displays, or performances, depending on the discipline. Students should be prepared to discuss their work and answer questions from attendees.