Susan A. Siltanen Graduate Student Research Symposium
Susan A. Siltanen Graduate Student Research Symposium
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The Susan A. Siltanen Graduate Student Research Symposium, hosted annually by the Graduate School and Graduate Student Senate, brings together graduate students to share their work in a supportive environment that celebrates collaboration, innovation, and academic excellence. The event showcases the diverse research and creative activity taking place across Southern Miss while promoting intellectual growth, integrity, and professional development.
Presenting to a broader audience helps students strengthen their communication skills and prepare for success beyond the university.
The symposium is open to the public from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. An Awards Luncheon will follow for participating students, judges, and invited faculty. During the luncheon, symposium winners and recipients of the Emerging Graduate Mentor, Graduate Mentor, Research Assistant, and Teaching Assistant of the Year awards will be announced.
The luncheon will also be livestreamed on the Southern Miss Graduate School Facebook page.
Eligibility and Presentation Guidelines
All currently enrolled master's, specialist, and doctoral students may participate. Students must present original research completed as part of their Southern Miss degree program. Previously presented research is eligible if it meets the symposium requirements. Students enrolled in 100% online programs can participate virtually.
All presentations are limited to 10 minutes, followed by a separate question-and-answer period with judges that does not count toward the time limit. To participate, students must register and submit an abstract of no more than 300 words.
Each student may submit only one abstract and must select one of the following presentation formats:
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Use the widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio for all slides, not standard (4:3).
- Include the presentation title, presenting author, coauthors, principal investigator, school, college, and The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406.
- Only one student may present, even if the research has multiple authors.
- Posters must measure 48 inches wide by 36 inches high and use landscape orientation.
- Include the presentation title, presenting author, coauthors, principal investigator, school, college, and The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406.
- One or two students may present a poster if the project is a joint effort approved by their degree program.
Symposium Categories and Awards
- Arts and Humanities
- Life, Health and Environmental Sciences
- Physical Sciences and Mathematics
- Social and Education Sciences and Business
- 1st Place for Each Category: $150
- 2nd Place for Each Category: $75
Winners will be recognized at the Awards Luncheon following the symposium.
What Symposium resources can I take advantage of?
2026 Symposium Winners
PowerPoint Presentations |
Communication, PhD program
Biological Sciences, MS program
Poster Presentations |
1st Place: Salwa Mohamed Musarikandy
Biological Sciences, PhD program