14th Annual Conference
Theme: “Shaping the Future: Graduate Leadership in Research, Technology, and Innovation.”
Location: Great Hall, Memorial Union
Date & Time: February 20th, 2026, from 8 am-3 pm
Social Hour and Awards Ceremony: February 24th, 2026, from 6:00-8:00 pm at South Ballroom, Memorial Union
Register Here
Abstracts Due: February 9th, 2026
The Graduate and Professional Student Senate (GPSS) at Iowa State University invites you to attend the 14th Annual GPSS Research Conference on Friday, February 20, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union. This annual event brings together graduate and professional students from across disciplines to share their research, scholarship, and creative work with the broader Iowa State community.
The conference provides a welcoming and professional environment for students to present their work while strengthening their communication skills and engaging with peers, faculty, and industry leaders. Participants may compete for professional development awards through poster presentations, oral presentations, and creative exhibitions. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are encouraged to attend and take part in a full day of learning, collaboration, and connection. Attendance is free with registration, and lunch will be provided.
This year’s theme, Shaping the Future: Graduate Leadership in Research, Technology, and Innovation, highlights the essential role graduate and professional students play in advancing knowledge and addressing real-world challenges. The conference connects emerging scholars with leaders from academia and industry to explore how interdisciplinary research and creativity drive meaningful impact.
Featured speakers include Dr. Jason Keith, Senior Vice President and Provost at Iowa State University; Dr. Farnaz Abdollahi, Senior Data Scientist at Intel Corporation and Chair of IEEE Women in Engineering; and Benjamin Schmitt, Chief Information Security Officer at Mary Greeley Medical Center.
In addition to student presentations and keynote sessions, the conference will offer graduate resource tables, one-on-one pop-up consulting with the Center for Communication Excellence for CVs, research papers, and presentation materials. The conference also offers free professional headshots, conference swag, and complimentary lunch. The event also serves as a gathering space for graduate student organizations and partners from the Graduate College to strengthen graduate student success and build community across Iowa State University.
There is "no" Registration Fee. For more information, please email our Conference Committee at gpssconfchair@iastate.edu.
Past Winners:
2025:
Christine Cain - 1st place, Creative Poster
Mariana Castro Azpiroz - 2nd place, Creative Poster
Melis Dilek and Melika Ziba - 3rd place, Creative Poster, People's Choice
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Anne Poincon - 1st place, Oral Research Competition
Mihir Ojha - 2nd place, Oral Research Competition, People's Choice
Emmanuel Padmore Mantey - 3rd place, Oral Research Competition
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Nan Zhao - 1st place, Poster Competition
Camilla Junaid - 2nd place, Poster Competition
Jayden Jech - 3rd place, Poster Competition
Muhammad Azhan - Poster Competition People's Choice
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Frankie Porter - PhD Regalia Winner
Joseph Eix, Jayden Jech, & Hunter Wells - Master's Regalia Winners
2024:
Alycia West - 1st place, Creative Poster
Mariana Castro Azpiroz - 2nd place, Creative Poster
Kelli Fitzpatrick - 3rd place, Creative Poster
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Luiz Filippe Santana Adao - 1st place, Oral Research Competition
Boris Alladassi - 2nd place, Oral Research Competition
Mihir Ojha - 3rd place, Poster Competition
