May 13, 2024
At the end of the spring semester, Saint Mary's College holds a forum for the presentation and discussion of the best research and creative work of undergraduate and graduate students.
Each year, presenters from every major and discipline share their latest projects with SMC and the broader East Bay community. Students showcase their passions and academic pursuits, not just for their college professors and peers, but to give themselves a leg up in the next stage of their professional development.
In the age of AI, strong communication and presentation skills are more essential than ever. Being able to talk about your work in a passionate and convincing way is key to a successful career.
2024 Student Research Conference & Showcase
Monday, May 13
3:00-6:00 pm
SMC Soda Activity Center
Mark your calendars and come celebrate the hard work and creativity of the scores of artists, researchers, and scholars presenting this year. Explore inspiring exhibits, compelling analyses, and captivating projects from every discipline, with over 300 individual presenters and 200 unique presentations on display.
Check out the links and details for this year's conference below.
2024 Conference Links
Conference Awards
Projects can be presented by groups or by individuals, each presentation being eligible to compete* in the 2024 Student Conference Competition in one of the following categories:
Best Presentations in Science ($100-300)
Best Presentations in Humanities ($100-300)
Best Presentations in Social Sciences ($100-300)
Best Presentations in Arts and Performing Arts ($100-300)
Best Presentations in Business ($100-300)
Best Presentations in Education ($100-300)
Best Group Presentation Certificate**
Library Research Awards
If presenters used library services and/or collections in the course of their project, then they may be eligible for one of three Library Research Awards. This award recognizes and rewards conference participants whose research makes expert and imaginative use of the services and collections of the Saint Albert Hall Library to produce scholarly and creative work. Library Research Awards total $2,000, for 1 group and several individual presentations.
We're excited to be able to offer these awards, which have been generously co-sponsored by the Deans of the Core, KSOE, SOLA, SOS, SEBA, and the Library.
*Early applicants will be given priority in the judging process the day of the conference.
**Group presentations are ineligible for cash prizes for "Best Presentation" categories, but the best group presentation will receive a certificate.
And introducing at this year's conference...
2024 Elevator Pitch Contest
In the span of 20-90 seconds, roughly the length of a short elevator ride, the presenter's goal is to sell their idea, to present their audience with something that they will not only understand, but also remember. Any good elevator pitch, whether for a contest, an employer, or even a potential investor, should be interesting, persuasive, succinct, and memorable.
Round 1 submissions are due by May 1, with finalists announced on May 2.
Round 2 submissions are due May 6; the entire SMC community will have the chance to view and vote for the best pitch among the finalists. The winner and their prize will be announced at the Conference.
Hosted by
Past Presentations
Contact Us
Honors Program
honors@stmarys-ca.edu
Dr. Helga Lenart-Cheng, Program Director
hl4@stmarys-ca.edu
Connor McCaslin, Coordinator
crm20@stmarys-ca.edu