Welcome to the Graduate Research Fair 2025 - April 24th, 2026
The Graduate School sponsors a Graduate Research Fair (GRF) annually in the Spring semester. Graduate students from all degree programs are invited to present research from their time as a student at UMSL. Students have the opportunity to compete for cash prizes, connect with peers, and receive feedback from faculty mentors.
This year, the GRF is brought to you in association with the Undergraduate Research Symposium (URS). Join us at the MSC for a full day of events!
Graduate Research Fair 2026 - 3rd Floor MSC
Schedule of Events:
8:30am-9am: Presenter Check-in and Set-up
9am-11:30am: Presentations! Judging will begin promptly at 9am.
11:30am-12:30pm: Student Luncheon, brought to you in collaboration with the Undergraduate Research Symposium (new this year!)
Winners will be announced during the Student Luncheon, roughly 12pm.
GRF Frequently Asked Questions
I am an undergraduate student; can I participate?
This event is solely for graduate students. Undergraduate students are encouraged to attend the Undergraduate Research Symposium | UMSL
How will the posters be judged?
- All posters must be set up by 9am.
- Posters will be judged according to thesis/non-thesis and discipline. There will be separate judging and winners for each category. (Categories are subject to change depending on the number of participants.)
- Posters will be separated the following ways:
- Non-thesis
- Thesis by discipline:
- (A) Math / Computer Science / Natural Sciences
- (B) Social Sciences / Humanities / Business / Education
- Each poster is assigned to a team of three faculty judges who will have a copy of the abstract in advance.
- There will be a few rounds of judging, depends on the number of the presenters.
Hint: Target your poster to a general audience, because you may have viewers and/or judges that are not from your specific area of study!
What should participants bring for their displays?
The Graduate School will provide one easel for your poster only. All students should plan to bring all other materials necessary to present their research (poster printed on 3' by 5' paper, backboards, etc.). In most cases, we recommend bringing your poster mounted on a 3' by 5' poster board.
I am a non-thesis graduate student; may I participate?
YES! We welcome graduate students from all programs, including projects that may fall outside of traditional research fair presentations. Non-thesis graduate projects and/or projects completed as part of a course are welcome at the GRF.
While this year we only plan to accommodate poster presentations, if you have an idea for a non-traditional project, please reach out and let us know how we may best support you: graduate@umsl.edu
Does my poster board have to be 3'x5'?
Yes, your poster board should follow the 3'x5' guidelines.
Where can I print my poster?
Students can utilize UMSL Printing Services on campus, Staples, or OfficeMax to print.
Are there prizes?
CASH PRIZES for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners!
I do not want to present, but I would like to see the research. Do I need to stay the whole time?
Viewers may come and go as they please - we would love to see you there!
If you have questions or concerns, please contact: graduate@umsl.edu or (314) 516-5900
Application Instructions
Register now for the GRF 2026!
Students that would like to see research and not present need not register.
Step One: Intention to Participate Form - Due March 27th
- Review the FAQ tab provided and the Guidelines button to learn more about the event!
- Then, complete the Intent to Participate Form:
- Completing this form signals to event organizers your plans to participate.
- Information you provide on this form can be updated later.
- One form per presentation. If presenting in a group, please designate one person to complete the form and include all group members’ names where indicated.
Step Two: Abstract Approval Form
Thesis - Abstract Approval Form
Non-thesis - Abstract Approval Form - coming soon!
- Both thesis and non-thesis presentations must complete an Abstract Approval Form.
- Abstracts must be 400 words or less. Reduce length of abstracts that exceed this word count. Follow the instructions provided on the form to complete it.
- Once complete with signatures, you will upload the form as an attachment in the Registration form below.
Step Three: Registration - Due April 10th
- Please use your unique SSOID@umsl.edu + password (same password you use for MyView) to access the Registration Form.
- Upload your completed Abstract Approval Form with signatures into the Microsoft Form.
- Once you have registered, you will receive a confirmation email from Microsoft Forms. You will be contacted by graduate@umsl.edu to confirm acceptance to the competition after the deadline on April 10th.
Prepare Your Poster!
- Please revisit the Guidelines and the FAQ tab above for important information as a presenter.
- Posters must be 3’ by 5’. An easel will be provided for you.
- Students are responsible for printing their poster and bringing any other necessary materials, such as poster backboard, to the event.
- Please plan to arrive at the event by 8:45am to provide time to check-in, set up your poster, and prepare for your presentation.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact The Graduate School at graduate@umsl.edu or (314) 516-5900.
Congratulations 2025 GRF Winners!
math/computer science/natural sciences1st Place: Dhanbir Lingden
2nd Place: Casey Ernest
3rd Place: Kel Gruber
social sciences/humanities/business/education
1st Place: Mady Diehl
2nd Place: Ellie Lyne
3rd Place: Schyler Newman
