On April 28, 2026, the University of Southern Mississippi Graduate School hosted the annual Susan A. Siltanen Graduate Research Symposium. This event welcomed 86 graduate students, all eager to share their original research through oral, poster, and virtual presentations.
The symposium showcased a wide array of topics, reflecting the diverse interests of graduate students in fields like communication, psychology, education, and the sciences. Participants engaged with faculty and peers, sparking important conversations about emerging research.
This gathering isn’t just about presenting work; it fosters collaboration among students and promotes academic rigor. It’s a chance for Southern Miss graduate students to shine and demonstrate the significance of their research.
By hosting such events, the Graduate School reinforces its commitment to excellence and integrity. It also plays a key role in preparing students for competitive job markets. According to a recent survey by the National Center for Education Statistics, over 60% of graduate students believe that presenting research enhances their employability, underscoring the importance of opportunities like this.
Thirty faculty members volunteered as judges, providing valuable feedback for the presenters. The Mississippi INBRE supported the event by supplying materials for poster presentations, and the Office of the Vice President for Research offered monetary prizes.
During the awards luncheon that followed, participants celebrated not only symposium winners but also mentors from various categories, such as Emerging Graduate Mentor and Teaching Assistant of the Year.
Here are some highlights from the winners:
- Oral Presentations
- Arts and Humanities
- First Place: Emily Keith, Ph.D. Student in Communication
- Second Place: Vivek Paudel, Ph.D. Student in Communication
- Life, Health and Environmental Sciences
- First Place: Katherine Brandewie, M.S. Student in Biological Sciences
- Arts and Humanities
- Poster Presentations
- Life, Health and Environmental Sciences
- First Place: Salwa Mohamed Musarikandy, M.P.H. Student in Public Health
- Life, Health and Environmental Sciences
Acknowledging the contributions of faculty and students is vital. For instance, Amber Hatten received the Emerging Graduate Mentor Award, showing that strong guidance is fundamental to student success.
The Graduate School at Southern Miss aims to develop a diverse community of scholars whose knowledge and skills stand out in the workforce. They offer thorough training and numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. This focus on holistic development ensures that graduates are well-prepared to make an impact in their fields.
For more details about the Graduate School and its offerings, visit the [University of Southern Mississippi Graduate School](https://www.usm.edu/graduate/) page.
