Symposium for Student Research, Scholarship, and Creative Achievement
Symposium for Student Research, Scholarship, and Creative Achievement
The 2026 Symposium for Student Research, Scholarship, and Creative Achievement is traditionally a single-day event that was held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, the symposium showcased outstanding undergraduate and graduate student work from across the University.
Journal of Scholarly Endeavor – 2026 Edition
The 2026 Journal of Scholarly Endeavor features a curated collection of outstanding student research, scholarship, and creative achievement presented at this year’s Symposium. This annual publication showcases the depth, diversity, and academic excellence of Slippery Rock University students across all disciplines.
Voted by their peers, the favorite poster primary authors at this year's Symposium were:
1st Place Winner - Primary Author: Carmella Ryan; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Shannon McKnight
2nd Place Winner - Primary Author: Victoria Kimpan; Faculty Sponsor: Dr. Ashley Loe
3rd Place Winner - Primary Author: Riley Lennon; Faculty Sponsor: Ms. Heather Hertel
MESSAGE FROM THE PROVOST AND VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
The 2026 SRU Symposium for Student Research, Scholarship, and Creative Achievement celebrates the exceptional scholarly and creative work taking place across our campus. It reflects the strength of Slippery Rock University’s intellectual community and the outstanding mentorship provided by our faculty. The symposium also highlights our institutional commitment to interdisciplinary inquiry and collaborative learning, encouraging students to examine complex questions through multiple perspectives.
At a public comprehensive university, the work of research, scholarship, and creative achievement often takes place within a context of competing demands and finite resources. That reality makes this celebration all the more meaningful. The projects featured in this symposium demonstrate not only talent and dedication but also the ingenuity, adaptability, and perseverance of our students and faculty mentors. They represent the best of what higher education can do: create opportunities for discovery, deepen understanding, and contribute to the life of the university and the broader community through thoughtful and disciplined inquiry.
One of the defining characteristics of higher education is its dual mission of creating and disseminating knowledge. Faculty are not only educators, but also scholars and practitioners whose work continues to evolve through research, creative activity, and professional engagement. At SRU, students are invited into that process of discovery. Through research, scholarship, and creative work, they learn by asking important questions, exploring evidence, testing ideas, solving problems, and sharing what they have learned with others.
The Symposium serves not only as recognition of these accomplishments, but also as an important developmental milestone for our students. Their work did not end when the data were collected, the analysis completed, or the artwork finished. The next step, synthesizing, refining, and presenting their work, is where deeper learning often occurs. As presenters, students step into the role of teachers, sharing insights with their peers, faculty, and the broader SRU community. Whether through poster presentations, oral sessions, performances, exhibits, or publication in the Journal of Scholarly Endeavor, they embody the spirit of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and academic courage.
I extend my sincere appreciation to the faculty mentors whose guidance, expertise, and encouragement made these projects possible. Your mentorship is central to this work. I also offer heartfelt thanks to the Office of Grants, Research, and Sponsored Programs, especially Casey Hyatt and Rachel Seminatore, for their dedicated coordination and support of student success. And finally, to our student presenters: thank you for going beyond what was required, for embracing the challenge of original inquiry, and for demonstrating the enduring value of learning through discovery.
Dr. Michael Zieg
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Frequently Asked Questions and Guidelines
Please review the FAQs and Symposium Guidelines for Oral Presentations, Poster Sessions, Exhibits, and Performances. Bailey Library also offers very helpful guides on research and poster production.
The next Symposium will be held in April 2027!
For questions, please contact the Grants, Research, and Sponsored Programs Office at 724-738-4846 or email student.symposium@sru.edu.