Join us for the UMBC Annual Research Symposium 2026, featuring poster presentations showcasing research from all colleges at UMBC. Whether you are presenting or attending, this is a great opportunity to share ideas, engage with research from across campus, and connect with fellow scholars. There will also be a Panel Discussion afterward with the VP for Student Affairs and Vice Provost/Dean of the Graduate School and VP for Institutional Equity/Chief Diversity Officer!

Date: April 7, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: UC Ballroom

Who You Are:

• A graduate or undergraduate student from any college at UMBC who wants to share their research with the university community.

What to Expect:

• Poster Presentations from students across CAHSS, COEIT, and CNMS. Come and explore groundbreaking work from all corners of UMBC.

• $2,500 Prize Pool across four categories:

• BEST of CAHSS (College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences)

• BEST of COEIT (College of Engineering and Information Technology)

• BEST of CNMS (College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences)

• Provost's Choice Award

• People's Choice Award

• Buffet Lunch for All Attendees – Enjoy a catered lunch featuring a variety of cuisines to accommodate diverse dietary preferences.

• Limited Free Poster Printing is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are encouraged to bring posters they have already prepared for previous conferences or presentations.

Whether you are presenting your research or just want to explore the exciting projects happening across UMBC, we welcome you to participate in this celebration of academic excellence.

Click the link here to register today, or scan the QR code in the flyer! Full URL below:

https://forms.gle/AYC5NiG917QULX8NA

Follow our Instagram @gears_umbc for other updates on events and things! 

Thriving in Graduate Education: Empowerment, Equity, and Influence

A Panel Discussion with the VP for Student Affairs and Vice Provost/Dean of the Graduate School and VP for Institutional Equity/Chief Diversity Officer!

🗓️ Tuesday, 04/07

🕓 12-1 PM

📍 University Center Ballroom

As a part of the annual UMBC GEARS Research Symposium, we will be sponsoring a panel discussion, titled "Thriving in Graduate Education: Empowerment, Equity, and Influence at UMBC". It is open to all UMBC undergraduate and graduate students.

Our featured panelists:

• Dr. Renique Kersh, Vice President for Student Affairs

• Dr. Christa Porter, Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School

• Tanyka M. Barber, Vice President for Institutional Equity and Chief Diversity Officer

The following four themes will be discussed:

• Equity & Access in Graduate Education

• Impostor Syndrome at Every Level

• Navigating the Academic Landscape

• Student Influence on Policy and Change

Have a question for the panelists? Submit it in advance via the QR code on the flyer - OR - via the link here. We want to hear from you!

Don't miss this engaging conversation on thriving in graduate education. We'll see you there!