Annual Graduate & Professional Student Research Forum
Showcasing Excellence in Graduate Student Scholarship, Creativity & Innovation
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Event Dates
Deadlines and Announcements
About the Forum
Hosted in partnership by the Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA) and the UNLV Graduate College.
The Graduate & Professional Student Research Forum is UNLV’s premier event showcasing the scholarly, professional, and creative contributions of graduate and professional students across all disciplines. Designed as a dynamic, conference-style experience, the Forum features podium, poster, and creative expression presentations judged by UNLV faculty and professionals from the broader Las Vegas community.
This long-standing tradition fosters cross-disciplinary dialogue, promotes visibility of graduate research, and offers invaluable experience in professional communication.
This event is free and open to the UNLV Community and their guests. All are welcome.
Event Overview
The Research Forum provides a platform for graduate and professional students to showcase their scholarship and connect with the academic community.
The Forum features a range of presentation formats designed to accommodate diverse research and creative disciplines. Participants gain constructive feedback from faculty, network, and contribute to UNLV’s mission as an R1 research institution. Students participate in podium talks, poster presentations, and creative expression sessions evaluated by faculty judges. Presentation winners for each session receive formal recognition at the closing Awards Ceremony.
As a gathering and competition that celebrates the work of graduate and professional students, the Forum promotes collaboration between colleges, departments, disciplines, and industries, while recognizing professional, scholarly, and artistic achievement. The Forum aims to encourage the development of graduate-level work in all forms, offering a unique chance for students, professors, industry professionals, and the public to interact through invited talks, concurrent sessions, and networking.
We look forward to sharing this exciting day with you.
Research Forum Program
Morning Program: Research Forum (UNLV Engineering Complex)
8:00 - 8:30 AM | Check-in & Breakfast
8:30 AM | Welcome! I³ Talks – Inspiration, Innovation, Impact
9:30 AM | Concurrent presentation sessions & judging begin
12:25 PM | All sessions have concluded
Afternoon Program: Forum Awards Ceremony& (Blasco Event Wing)
12:30 PM | Lunch, live music, and networking
12:45 PM | Livestreamed Awards Ceremony Begins
2:00 PM | Research Forum concludes
Event Details
Participants and guests should plan to arrive prior to the opening I³ program to check-in and enjoy a catered breakfast as well as networking opportunities.
In lieu of a keynote speaker, GPSA and the Graduate College invite our very own graduate students to showcase their incredible work to the community. Beginning at 8:30am, I³ – Inspiration, Innovation, Impact, features student-led, TED-style invited talks from outstanding presenters as well as presentation of the Graduate College Medallion Awards. See past I³ speakers. This year’s I³ event will be livestreamed here.
As the I³ Talks conclude, the concurrent podium, poster, and creative expression presentation sessions judged by faculty begin. Refreshments will be available throughout the morning.
Morning Program Highlights
Catered breakfast and networking.
- I³ Talks – Inspiration, Innovation, Impact: Student-led, TED-style invited talks featuring outstanding presenters and presentation of Graduate College Medallion Awards. I³ will be livestreamed.
- Concurrent Sessions: Poster, podium, and creative expression presentations across multiple disciplines.
After all concurrent presentation sessions have concluded, participants and their guests will walk to the Foundation Building (FND), located next to the UNLV Engineering Complex. Lunch will be served in the Blasco Event Wing along with live music. At 12:45pm, the Research Forum Awards Ceremony will begin. The Awards Ceremony will recognize the recipients of the annual GPSA Awards and announce the winners of each Forum presentation session.
Afternoon Program Highlights
- Catered lunch and live music.
- Research Forum Awards Ceremony, hosted in the Blasco Event Wing.
- GPSA Award recipients recognized and session winners announced.
The closing Awards Ceremony will be livestreamed for virtual attendees.
Presentation Formats
Presentation Formats & Timing
10-minute Podium Presentations: 10 minutes to present, 3 minutes for Q&A, 2 minutes for judges to complete evaluations while the next presenter sets up.
(15 minutes total)
5-minute Creative Expression Presentations: 5 minutes to present, 3 minutes for Q&A, 4 minutes for judges to complete evaluations while the next presenter sets up.
(12 minutes total)
5-minute Poster Presentations: 5 minutes to present, 3 minutes for Q&A, 2 minutes for judges to complete evaluations before moving to the next presenter.
(10 minutes total)
Presentation Session Awards
Information for Presenters
Presenting at the Research Forum is open to all graduate and professional students wishing to share their research or creative expressions, practice their presentation skills, or obtain constructive comments from faculty and peers. Students may register by submitting their presentation abstract or artist statement. Acceptance to present at the Forum is automatic.
As part of the Research Forum experience, recipients of GPSA Sponsorship Program research and travel grants will present their funded projects, underscoring the event’s role in supporting graduate scholarship. Regardless of funding status, all graduate and professional students are eligible to present at the Research Forum.
Whether you’re delivering a podium talk, presenting a poster, or sharing a creative project, here’s everything you need to know to make your presentation a success.
Before the Forum
Register for the Forum by submitting your abstract or artist statement. See these Abstract Guidelines.
Schedule & Room Assignments: In April, you’ll receive your session schedule and room location from GPSA. Please confirm receipt and email any questions to gpsa@unlv.edu.
Volunteer Opportunities
Not Presenting?
No problem! Students, staff, faculty, and community members are encouraged to attend and cheer on your peers—or sign up as a volunteer to help the day run smoothly. Volunteering is a great way to get involved, connect with campus, and gain professional event experience.
Information for Presentation Judges
The Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA) warmly invites UNLV faculty to serve as judges for the Annual Graduate & Professional Student Research Forum. The Forum thrives on the expertise and commitment of its judges and volunteers.
Specific session assignments for judges will be shared approximately 10 days prior to the event. All concurrent sessions will be judged between 9:30am-12:30pm.
Why Volunteer as a Judge?
Faculty judges play a critical role by providing valuable constructive feedback, mentoring student researchers, and fostering an environment where graduate students can excel. Help us uphold the high standards of research and presentation at UNLV!
Faculty and industry professionals may serve as judges.
GPSA deeply appreciates the dedication of UNLV faculty in supporting graduate and professional student researchers. Please share this opportunity with other faculty members who may be interested in supporting graduate students at the Research Forum.
How to Sign Up
Faculty interested in serving as a judge should sign up using the link below:
Awards Ceremony & Recognition
Marking the culmination of the Graduate & Professional Student Research Forum, the Awards Ceremony celebrates the curiosity, collaboration, and dedication that drive graduate scholarship at UNLV.
Join the Celebration
The Awards Ceremony is open to all attendees, including presenters, judges, volunteers, and guests.
Unable to attend in person? Join us virtually via livestream to experience the event and celebrate in real time.
Announcing Recipients of the Annual GPSA Awards
Celebrate contributions from students, faculty, and staff through an open nominations process. GPSA Award categories include:
- Outstanding Mentor Award: Acknowledging faculty members who support and guide students in achieving academic and professional success.
- Distinguished Contribution Award: Recognizing faculty and staff who go above and beyond to reduce graduate student stress and foster success.
- Community Impact Award: Honoring students who create meaningful change and positively impact their communities through service and leadership.
- Expanding the Knowledge Frontier Award: Highlighting students innovatively advancing their field or conducting pioneering research.
- Best of UNLV Award: Celebrating a student who embodies the spirit of UNLV and excels in leadership, scholarship, service, and collaboration.
Winners of each Concurrent Presentation Session Announced
The ceremony honors the winners of presentation sessions, recognizing outstanding podium talks, posters, and creative expressions. These awards are determined by faculty judges based on the quality, originality, and impact of the students’ work.
Support the Forum
GPSA and the Graduate College are always looking to enhance the event through partnerships with local sponsors. Support from the community is a testament to the value placed on academic and research excellence and an opportunity to engage directly with emerging leaders and innovators in a wide range of fields.
We welcome interest from organizations and businesses looking to support this event, contribute to the advancement of knowledge, and foster professional development opportunities for UNLV's graduate students. Email katherine.freund@unlv.edu for more information.
Contact
Ariadna Gutierrez
Director of Engagement and Outreach
gpsa.eo@unlv.edu
Virginia Smercina
GPSA Manager and Advisor
gpsa@unlv.edu