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Center for Mathematics, Science, and Technology

24th Annual High School Research Symposium
Monday, April 28, 2025

Sponsored by: The Center for Mathematics, Science, and Technology (CeMaST)
at: Illinois State University

Join us for a day that celebrates your accomplishments in research. Illinois State University (ISU) invites Illinois high school students to showcase their poster presentations at our annual research symposium. We invite you to share your original work in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). You've worked hard, overcome challenges, and should be proud of your achievements. Your presentation will give you the opportunity to share your research with an audience of ISU professors, ISU students, and other Illinois high school students.

Taking part in the Symposium will allow you to gain valuable experience in presenting your research to a diverse audience. You will be able to network and gain an appreciation of the work of your peers. Presenting your research is an attractive addition to any résumé, internship or job application, scholarship application, or college/university application.

Contact Information

Dr. Ashley Waring-Sparks
STEM Program Coordinator
alwarin@IllinoisState.edu

 

15th Annual High School Research Symposium held in the Brown Ballroom in the Bone Student Center at Illinois State University (photo credit: Janet Niezgoda).

The Symposium is open to all high school students engaged in research, scholarship, and creative achievement under the direction of a teacher and/or professional mentor. Students may participate as individuals or in groups. There is no cost to participate!

Volunteers Needed: If you are interested in volunteering to serve as a poster judge (faculty, staff, or graduate students only) or general assistant (faculty, staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students) please visit the volunteer page for more information.

Symposium Information

Categories for Poster Presentations

Participants must select a specific research category for their poster:

  • Animal Sciences
  • Behavioral Sciences (includes sociology, anthropology, and psychology)
  • Biochemistry
  • Cellular and Molecular Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Sciences
  • Earth and Planetary Sciences
  • Energy (includes energy production, conservation, and renewable resources)
  • Engineering
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Geospatial Sciences (includes GPS, GIS, and remote sensing)
  • Mathematical Sciences
  • Medicine and Health Sciences
  • Microbiology
  • Physics and Astronomy
  • Plant Sciences
  • Product Sciences (includes quality and effectiveness of off-the-shelf products)
  • Social Sciences (includes anthropology, archaeology, sociology, and geography)

Check-In and Poster Set-Up

Participants should arrive around 8:30 a.m. Check-in (teachers only) and student poster set-up in the main display area will be from 8:30-9:00 a.m. Assigned locations for posters in the main display area will be posted online a few days before the Symposium as well as be available at the check-in desk the morning of the Symposium.

Other Activities

  • Meet and interact with high school students from throughout Illinois.
  • Visit with ISU professors, staff, and students.
  • Participate in a research scavenger hunt to earn prizes.
  • Learn about cutting-edge research ISU professors are working on.

Please be aware that photography and videotaping may occur at this public event.