An exciting College-wide event is in the works: PhD Day on May 15th, 2026 in SMSU. We are encouraging faculty advisors to discuss this opportunity with their PhD/MS/Undergrad research students and encourage them to participate. Please contact undergraduate students directly about participating in this event, and I can send them the invitation.

This is a research showcase connecting students at every level with advanced scholarship and discovery. PhD Day highlights the work of PhD students while creating opportunities for undergraduate and master’s students to also engage in research presentation, feedback, and academic community‑building. The program features poster sessions,Thesis-in-180-seconds (T180) presentations, keynote talks, and awards recognizing excellence across degree levels.

PhD students will have the option to present a poster or Thesis-in-180-seconds (T180) presentation. Details about PhD Day can be found on the PhD Day webpage.

For students who will be presenting at the event, submit this commitment form no later than April 10th. 

Students who are not presenting are welcome to attend to learn more about research across the university. The event will also include a lunch and keynote from 12:00-1:00 PM, followed by doctoral research presentations from 1:00-4:00 PM. Anyone planning to attend who is not presenting should submit the RSVP form by May 10.

PhD Day Time & Tentative Agenda
May 15th, 2026 | 10 am–5 pm; Smith Ballroom

• 10:00am–12:00pm: Pre‑Doctoral STEM Symposium (Poster presentations by undergraduate and master’s students of any STEM discipline)
• 12:00–1:00pm: Lunch & Keynote (Open to all attendees)
• 1:00–5:00pm: Doctoral Presentations (Poster and T180 presentations by PhD students)