Honors Research Symposium

Hosted by the Bumpers Honors Student Board

Each spring the Bumpers Honors Student Board hosts a research symposium that is meant to be a collaborative learning experience for both the participants and the student judges. Bumpers Honors Student Board members co-judge poster and oral presentations in partnership with Bumpers College faculty members to learn the process of judging. Participants are able to gain professional experience communicating about their research and creative work to judges and audience members and compete for monetary prizes! 

All undergraduate students pursuing a degree in Bumpers College (honors or non-honors), who have completed (or are nearly finished with) a research, creative, or service learning project may submit an abstract for consideration for either an oral or poster presentation. Undergraduate students who have received a Bumpers College Undergraduate Research and Creative Grant are encouraged to present their project upon completion.

Abstract Submission Deadline: Tuesday, April 1 by midnight.
Poster PDF Submission Deadline (for judges' early review): Tuesday, April 15 by midnight.
Event Date: Tuesday, April 29, 3:30 PM (Location to be confirmed separately). The student author or a co-author should plan to attend the event to present about the project.

Submit your abstract for the spring 2025 symposium by April 1! 

Submit your finished poster file as a PDF for judges' early review by April 15.

 

Abstracts should adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Include the lead student researcher's full name and the name of any student co-authors.
  • Include the project mentor's full name.
  • Include the full project title. 
  • The abstract should be limited to 300 words. 
  • The abstract should consist of five linked parts - background and problem statement, methods/development plan, results/design process and creative works, and conclusions/implications.
    • The background provides context to the study, rationale
      and significance. Follow with the problem being studied, the purpose of the study, and any specific research objectives or hypotheses. 
    • Provide a brief overview of the research methods or creative approach for the study. 
    • Present important and specific data or products of the creative project, with visually quantified and/or described.
    • State the major interpretations and findings as related to the original research problem, and any limitations of the results.
    • Finish by stating the relevance, contribution of the work, and its implications.

Students are allowed one paper or fabric printed poster.

 

Attendance Expectations 

  • Students accepted into the poster presentation session are expected to present next to their poster in the AFLS Atrium or other designated event site, and be available for the majority of the event to engage with judges and audience members. If the student researcher or student co-author is unable to present, the submitting student will lose points for the speaking category.
  • Students should encourage their student co-authors and project advisors to be present during the symposium, but this is not mandatory.

Judging Criteria 

Criteria

Points

Poster Abstract: Abstract strongly presents the student's research or creative works and includes concise, clear argument for the value and findings of the work. 

Up to 10 points

Poster Content: Content is well summarized, clearly demonstrating development of the research or creative work; information provided supports the purpose of the study, hypotheses/research questions, and findings; a clear conclusion is present. 

Up to 10 points

Poster Appearance: Poster is visually appealing and highly effective in presenting the necessary information; easy to read; creative and well designed.

Up to 10 points

Poster Organization: Poster layout is logical with a clearly evident topic; sequential, logical flow of information present.

Up to 10 points

Presenter(s) Oral Presentation: Presenter(s) exhibit confidence and professionalism; establish eye contact or engage with the audience through other modes; clearly convey the topic and demonstrate competency in discussing the project; utilizes lay language where appropriate. 

Up to 10 points

Total Possible Points

50 Points