Your Guide to the SMC STEM Symposium
SMC students can present research from:
- Class projects
- Independent studies
- Internships
- Off-campus research experiences
- Individual or group projects
Submissions must include STEM research beyond a literature review, such as original data collection, experimentation, analysis, modeling, fieldwork, laboratory work, or other hands-on research activities.
Mentor Requirement
You must have an SMC faculty mentor, or if your research was conducted off campus, provide written approval from your research supervisor/PI on official letterhead.
Not sure if your project qualifies? Contact us at stemposters@smc.edu
Photographs/Publications
Photographs/videos of the participant area may be taken during presentations and throughout the event. These photographs/videos, abstracts, posters, and release of information deemed necessary for publications may be used in associated SMC promotional media. All participants will be asked to complete a media release form to participate in the SMC STEM Symposium.
Priority Review Benefit: Submitting by the priority deadline guarantees an early committee review with feedback
and an opportunity to revise your abstract. Submissions received after the priority
deadline will be evaluated strictly as final submissions without feedback or options
to resubmit.
Presented by Joan Kang, Career Services and STEM students
Interested in participating in STEM research but not sure where to begin? Learn how to find opportunities on and off campus!
Thursday, September 10, 2026
- 11:30 a.m. PT
- Drescher Hall, STEM Lab, Room 302
- Hybrid Option:
Presented by Jessie F. Salter, Life Sciences
This virtual Zoom workshop will give you the tools and strategies to design an academic STEM poster that communicates your research effectively to the public. You will learn the key components of a STEM research poster, basic design principles and strategies for speaking clearly and compellingly about your work—including tips for answering questions with confidence.
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
- 11:30 a.m. PT
- Poster Design Workshop Fall 2026 Registration Link
Thursday, April 1, 2027
- 11:30 a.m. PT
- Poster Design Workshop Spring 2027 Registration Link
Previously Recorded Session
Scheduled sessions providing confirmed participants feedback on draft posters with final poster files due by April 23, 2027.
Times will be emailed to accepted symposium participants.
Registered STEM Poster Symposium participants will also have their 8" x 36", landscape poster (300 DPI resolution) printed for free.
To confirm your participation, please submit your final poster no later than April 23, 2027 to the link emailed to you in your Acceptance Confirmation Email.
NOTE: File submission for printing must follow the specifications outlined below:
- Format: PDF
- Size: 48” x 36” (landscape orientation)
- Resolution: 300 dpi
Timely submission is required to ensure your poster is printed and included in the Symposium.
You’re invited to an engaging showcase of student ideas, research, and discovery.
Explore projects by SMC students across STEM fields, ask questions, and connect with emerging researchers as they share the questions they’re exploring.
Stop by, get inspired, and show your support.
Open to all.
May 14, 2027
- Location: SMC Main Campus
- Event Time:
- Student Presenter Setup and Event Time: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. PT
- Symposium Showcase: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PT