The two-day event highlights undergraduate and graduate research, offering students the opportunity to present projects through oral presentations, posters and creative displays while engaging with faculty, peers and community members.
The symposium will open at 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, with welcome remarks in the Encova Auditorium at the Brad D. Smith Center for Business & Innovation.
The keynote address will follow at 2:30 p.m., featuring Xavier Mínguez López, associate professor of language and literature at the University of Valencia. His presentation, “Playing for Reading: Developing Creativity through Literary Education,” will explore the role of creativity and storytelling in learning across cultures.
Student presentations will continue throughout the day Wednesday, April 2, in the Memorial Student Center and the Drinko Library Atrium.
“The Student Research and Creativity Symposium gives our students the opportunity to see themselves as scholars, creators, and professionals whose work matters beyond the classroom,” said Philippe Georgel, senior director of the Office of Student Research at Marshall. “By presenting their research and creative projects to audiences that include faculty, peers, community members and industry leaders, students gain confidence, sharpen their communication skills and come to understand the broader impact their ideas can have on society.”
Georgel added that the symposium reflects Marshall’s commitment to research as a Carnegie R2 institution.
“At Marshall, research is central to who we are,” he said. “Experiences like this symposium help students connect theory to practice, work closely with faculty mentors, and recognize how discovery and creativity contribute to our region’s economy and quality of life.”
He also emphasized the significance of this year’s keynote speaker.
“We are especially honored to welcome Dr. Xavier Mínguez López as our keynote speaker,” Georgel said. “His internationally recognized work on creativity, storytelling and intercultural learning speaks directly to the core values of this event.”
The Research and Creativity Symposium is free and open to the public.