Students invited to present research and innovative projects in WiSys statewide virtual showcase

Top presenters could win a $1,000 prize during the WiSys SPARK Symposium

(WySys release) UW System students are invited to present their research and innovative projects during the WiSys SPARK Symposium Virtual Series—a celebration of research, innovation and entrepreneurship in the UW System.

Students can present orally during one of three Student Research & Innovation Showcases—June 2, June 9 or Aug. 11.

The showcases in June are geared toward students who worked on their projects during the academic year and the August showcase is set up for students who may be conducting their work during the Summer. However, students can choose to present at any of the three events, based on what works best for them.

The presenter registration deadline for the June showcases is May 17. The deadline for the August showcase is July 26. Students can register at wisys.org/spark.

The events will allow students to:

• Showcase projects to a statewide audience.
• Improve presentation skills in a supportive environment.
• Win cash prizes (up to $1,000) and recognition for their work.

WiSys seeks presentations on research projects from any discipline (social sciences, humanities, science, technology, etc.) and a broad range of innovative projects (product prototypes, video games, applications, business ideas, social efforts, etc.).

If you have a question about whether your project fits the showcase, contact WiSys’ Jennifer Souter at jennfer@wisys.org.

This is the second year that WiSys’ summer symposium was redesigned as a virtual series because of the pandemic. WiSys plans to return to an in-person event next summer.

Many of the events in virtual series were created specifically for students, including the following:

• Secure Your STEM Internship, July 21
  Science and technology industry leaders share tips, tricks and advice with undergraduate students seeking STEM internships. Students will learn what to expect and where to look for these important developmental opportunities.
• Graduate & Professional School Advice, Aug. 4
  Undergraduate students interested in seeking an advanced degree will engage with current or recent postgraduate degree-seekers in a supportive, peer-to-peer small-group conversation intended to answer questions about the application process and life as a student at the next level.
• Grant Writing for Students, Aug. 5
  Students interested in adding the grant writing skill to their resume will learn the basics from WiSys grant writing experts in this starter session which may be especially useful for students on track to attend graduate school. Graduate students may find that they need grants to complete their work or may work with faculty who would benefit from a knowledgeable student.

For more information about the WiSys SPARK Symposium, visit wisys.org/spark.

WiSys is a nonprofit organization that works with faculty, staff, students and alumni of the UW System to facilitate cutting-edge research programs, develop and commercialize discoveries and foster a spirit of innovative and entrepreneurial thinking across the state.

Craig Sauer
WiSys | Marketing & Communications Associate
608-316-4039
@WiSysCraig