Advancing Research: PhD Day
May 15th | 10 am–4:30 pm
Smith Ballroom

Join us for a research showcase connecting Maseeh College and College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (CLAS) students at every level with advanced scholarship and discovery. PhD Day highlights the work of doctoral students while creating opportunities for undergraduate and master’s students to engage in research presentation, feedback, and academic community‑building. The program features poster sessions, lightning presentations, keynote talks, and awards recognizing excellence across degree levels. 

This effort is made possible by the PSU-Sloan Center for Systemic Change (PSU-SCSC) seed project funded by the Alfred P Sloan Foundation. PSU-SCSC is an effort to celebrate research, elevate mentorship, and recruit and retain exemplary PhD students from all backgrounds at PSU.

Participants

  • Doctoral students — Presenting research through a poster presentation or lightning lightening thesis presentation  (1 slide in 3 minutes)
  • Bachelors & Masters students  — Presenting posters during the Pre‑Doctoral Symposium
  • Faculty, staff, and guests — Attend any portion of the event with an RSVP
     

Presentation Formats

  • Poster Presentation
    Visual research presentations displayed during scheduled sessions. Available to undergraduate, master’s, and PhD participants based on session eligibility.
  • Lightening Thesis
    Concise oral presentations (1 slide in 3 minutes) designed to communicate research to a broad audience. Open to Maseeh and CLAS PhD participants.

Agenda

  • 10 am–12 pm | Pre‑Doctoral  Symposium
    Poster presentations by undergraduate and master’s students
  • 12–1 pm | Grad Inspiration Lunch & Keynote
    Open to all attendees.
    • 12:30 -1p Keynote speaker and awards for undergraduate and masters students
  • 1–4 pm | Doctoral Research Presentations
    • 1-3 pm Lightning presentations by PhD students
    • 3-4 pm  Poster Presentations and Reception
  • 4–4:30 pm | Closing Ceremony & Awards
    Awards will be given to doctoral participants for lightning thesis and poster presentations.

Awards & Recognition

Awards will be presented by academic level:

  • Bachelors
  • Masters
  • Doctoral

Awards will also be given by presentation category:

  • Poster Presentation
  • Lightning Thesis Presentation

Participation Timeline

  • Submit poster or lightening presentation by April 10 (closed for 2026)
  • Files or presentation materials due by April 29th (poster printing provided by the college's Dean’s Office.)