May 11, 2026
Explore. Create. Discover. Inspire.
At the end of the academic year, Saint Mary's College holds a forum for the presentation and discussion of the best research and creative work of our undergraduate and graduate students.
Each spring...
Presenters from every major and discipline share their latest studies, compositions, and thought-provoking analyses with SMC and the broader East Bay community.
In addition to class projects and capstone presentations, we're also proud to feature the work of students simply eager to share their own artistic designs and personal scholarship. Previous topics have included everything from world events to scientific findings, as well as a broad swath of captivating work that explores the past, the present, and the future.
Saint Mary's students, as well as alumni, 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.
Interested in learning more? Read about the upcoming conference below.
2026 Student Research Conference & Showcase
May 11, 2026
3:00-6:00 pm
Soda Activity Center
Presentation Formats
Performance
Performing arts presentations can include a live performance of music, dance, or theater; if accepted, the time and place of the performance will be arranged prior to the conference.
Art Gallery
A gallery project can include any visual art or creative work, including graphic design and creative writing; if accepted, the time and place of the gallery will be arranged prior to the conference.
Please note: it is each applicant's responsibility to make sure that their research is IRB approved and compliant.
Conference Awards
Projects can be presented by groups or by individuals, each presentation being eligible to compete in the 2026 Student Conference Competition in one of the following categories:
Best Presentation in Business
Best Presentation in Counseling & Education
Best Presentation in Arts & Humanities
Best Presentation in Sciences
Best Presentation in Social Sciences
Best Group Presentation Certificate**
Library Research Awards
If you used library services and/or collections in the course of your project, then you 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.
Past Conferences
Conference Records
Conference Report
This year's conference broke our record in terms of total presentations (312) and presenters (437), with nearly as many visitors who came to explore these students' incredible work. We are especially delighted by the number of graduating seniors who presented their theses and capstone projects, as well as the various graduate departments represented this year, with presentations from Counseling and Forensic Psychology, Communication and Dance, and even Biotechnology, to name a few. Indeed, the energy at this year’s Student Research Conference & Showcase was nothing short of electric. Our students presented their projects with excitement, confidence, and well-earned pride—and it was equally moving to see the pride reflected in the eyes of their families and mentors.
Best Presentations in the Arts & Humanities:
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Best Presentations in Business:
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Best Presentations in Education:
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Best Presentations in the Sciences:
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Best Presentations in the Social Sciences:
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Library Research Awardees:
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Phi Kappa Phi Awardee
(Elevator Pitch Contest)
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Conference Report
With 300 total presenters and around 300 friends, family, and faculty filling the Soda Center, this year's conference was truly something to behold. Students from nearly every academic department brought their latest research and coursework to share with the campus community, from art and science posters to business class exhibits and prerecorded presentations from our graduate education students in KSOE. There were even some presenters, including a few alumni, who simply wanted to showcase their academic passions, and this year's conference offered them a great opportunity to awe and amaze their friends and instructors, as well as our conference judges, with their thoughtful and compelling scholarship.
Best Presentations in the Arts & Humanities:
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Best Presentations in Business:
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Best Presentations in Education:
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Best Presentations in the Sciences:
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Best Presentations in the Social Sciences:
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Library Research Awardees:
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Elevator Pitch Contest Winner:
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Hosted by
Contact Us
Honors Program
honors@stmarys-ca.edu
Dr. Steve Miller, Program Director
scmiller@stmarys-ca.edu
Connor McCaslin, Coordinator
crm20@stmarys-ca.edu