Southeast Missouri State University hosts an annual Student Research Conference, now in its 33rd year.

The conference showcases research performed by both undergraduate and graduate students across all disciplines. In addition to providing students with a venue to professionally present research, the conference also promotes Southeast's culture of valuing research scholarly and encouraging creative activity on campus. The 33rd Annual Student Research Conference will be held on April 15 and April 16, 2025, at the University Center Ballroom.

 32nd annual student research conference

Participant Guide

The benefits of participating in the Student Research Conference are many in addition to the professional and scholarly experience it provides. Want to know what to expect? We’ve got a guide for that! Abstract Submissions for the SRC are open and will close on March 24th.

Faculty Information

Faculty sponsors are always needed for the Student Research Conference and if you’re wondering how to get involved and sponsor a student, we have that covered.

Faculty Research

To begin participating in research please fill out the Faculty Research Form.

Student Research Conference Planning Committee Directory

Position Name Email Address
Conference Co-Chair Madison Varner mavarner1s@semo.edu
Conference Co-Chair Seth Gleason sjgleason2s@semo.edu
Volunteer Chair Estrello Tsunami Briseno-Mora etbriseno1s@semo.edu
Oral Presentations Exhibits Chair Savannah Henderson  smhenderson4s@semo.edu
Poster Presentation Exhibits Chair Cali Facio  cmfacio1s@semo.edu
Marketing Chair Jenna Brouk   jmbrouk1s@semo.edu
Banquet and Awards Chair Abhishek Shrestha ashrestha29s@semo.edu
Liaison Lauren White lmwhite5s@semo.edu
Faculty Advisor Scott Brandhorst sbrandhorst@semo.edu

Frequently Asked Questions

From why you should participate to how you’ll participate, students have questions and we have answers.

Participation in the research conference affords a number of benefits to student presenters, faculty sponsors, audience members, and the university community as a whole. In addition to personal and professional benefits, outstanding student presenters are eligible to compete for recognition and awards for best oral and poster presentations.  

Oral Presentation 

An oral presentation is a 15-17 minute speech you present to an audience providing an in-depth explanation of your research. It is usually accompanied by a visual aid such as a PowerPoint slideshow and concludes with a 3-5 minute question and answer session. This is a great chance to develop and refine your public speaking skills.  

Poster Presentation 

A poster is a visual display representing and summarizing your work. If public speaking in front of a group is not your thing, a poster presentation may be more comfortable for you.   

Senior Capstone Symposium 

A symposium is a special session in which all the presenters and/or topics share some common attribute or theme. The Senior Capstone Symposium is a special extended session of the SRC that features presentations by students who have completed senior-level capstone research experiences. These culminating experiences typically integrate and apply learning across multiple topics, subjects, or disciplines. To learn more, contact us.  

Roundtable Discussions 

Roundtable discussions will focus on several key areas of interest for students, faculty, the university, and the community as a whole. Planned roundtable topics to be determined soon. To learn more, contact us.  

  1. Find a faculty research sponsor and choose and conduct a research project. 
  2. Select the best format and forum in which to share your research. 
  3. Write an abstract of 100 to 200 words summarizing your research. 
  4. Complete and submit the Abstract Submission Form. 
  5. Prepare for your presentation. 

  1. Dress for success (business casual attire). 
  2. Arrive to location at least 10-15 minutes prior to the start of your session.
  3. Present at your scheduled time. 
  4. Do not exceed your allotted time.  
  5. Remain for the duration of your session and be courteous and attentive to other presenters. 
  6. Attend other sessions, keynote address, and award ceremony as you are able. 
  7. Network. Get to know other presenters, faculty, etc.