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St. Mary’s University Annual Research Showcase

Research Showcase is an annual two-day research conference celebrating the scholarly and creative activities of faculty and students, hosted by the University Research Council.   The event hosts over 300 presenters from the St. Mary’s community and neighboring high schools, colleges, and industry partners.  Event activities include a poster symposium, concurrent oral presentations, a keynote speaker, an awards ceremony, and more.

We invite you to connect, learn, and celebrate research that transcends disciplines and fosters a thriving intellectual research community. 

Experience the Highlights of Our 2024–2025 Academic Year Research Showcase

The following video captures the vibrant atmosphere of our 2024–2025 academic year research showcase. From poster sessions and oral presentations to judging, moderating, and simply enjoying the remarkable work of students and staff—this event brought together a wide range of talents and ideas.

Whether you participated or are discovering it for the first time, we invite you to relive the energy and inspiration of the showcase.

Enjoy the video below!

What is the Annual Research Showcase?

The St. Mary’s University Annual Research Showcase is a campus-wide celebration of student and faculty scholarship, creativity, and inquiry. Held each spring, the event highlights the wide range of academic and creative work being done across all disciplines—from the sciences and social sciences to the humanities, business, and the arts.

Students present their work through poster sessions, oral presentations, performances, and exhibits, engaging with peers, faculty, and the wider campus community. The showcase provides a platform for emerging scholars to share their ideas, receive feedback, and gain experience communicating their work in a professional setting.

Whether you’re conducting a capstone project, participating in faculty-led research, or exploring a passion project, the Research Showcase is your opportunity to shine.

Alternative Day of Learning (ADL)

The Alternative Day of Learning is designated as the second day of Research Showcase.  The objectives of the ADL are:

  • To foster an interdisciplinary and collaborative research community encompassing all disciplines;
  • Bring awareness, education, and promotion of the university’s thriving intellectual community
  • Enhance student engagement by tackling research from a dynamic and holistic approach while preparing our students for careers that demand critical thinking and adaptability
  • Strengthen the scholarly community by providing faculty a platform for knowledge exchange and peer support.

Regularly scheduled undergraduate courses are not held in the classroom, and instead, faculty and students will gather at the research symposium to present their research and creative activities in a public forum.  Faculty teaching undergraduate courses need to incorporate Research Showcase into their spring syllabi, whether that is presenting scholarly and creative works and/or requiring students to attend Showcase events.  Faculty are expected to also attend Research Showcase and support their colleagues and students with their presented research. 

Student attendance will be tracked for planned activities on ADL. Each session will have a QR code for participants to scan and check-in. Attendance for each session will be provided to faculty the week after Research Showcase.

Current Research Showcase

🗓 Dates:April 29–30, 2026
📍 Location: St. Mary’s University

ach year, St. Mary’s University brings together undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty to present original research, creative projects, and scholarly work across all disciplines. The showcase is a two-day event filled with poster presentations, oral talks, faculty research highlights, and interdisciplinary engagement.

The 2025 Showcase features:

  • Student poster and oral presentations

  • Faculty-led research sessions

  • Volunteer and judging opportunities

  • Awards ceremony recognizing excellence

  • Interactive Q&A and networking opportunities

  • A welcoming, scholarly community of inquiry and innovation

All members of the university and broader community are invited to attend, explore, and celebrate the depth and diversity of research at St. Mary’s.

👉 Use the button below to view the full program, register, or learn how to get involved!

Current Showcase

Past Research Showcase

Explore the Legacy of Research at St. Mary’s
Our Past Annual Research Showcase archive captures the energy and excellence of previous years. From award-winning posters to faculty-led sessions and inspiring student presentations, the archive reflects a long-standing tradition of academic discovery and community impact.

In the archive, you can find:

  • Photo galleries from past showcases

  • Downloadable event programs

  • Examples of student and faculty presentations

  • Award recipient highlights

Whether you’re a future presenter seeking inspiration or an alum revisiting your project, this archive is a window into the lasting impact of research at St. Mary’s.

🔗 View Past Research Showcase Archive Clicking on Botton Below

Past Showcase

Meet the University Research Council

The University Research Council comprises faculty and staff from across campus, with the primary mission of fostering research, scholarship, and creative endeavors. The URC organizes events such as the Research Showcase and numerous other activities throughout the year to highlight the scholarly achievements of faculty and students. 

For more information click on the button below.

More About URC

What People are saying about Research Showcase:

Insert 5-10 comments from post event survey – to be added

If you have questions, please contact Melissa Karlin, Ph.D., Director of the Office of Student Research and Inquiry, or Irene Holguin, Director of Sponsored Projects, Academic Research and Compliance, at urc@stmarytx.edu.