Abstract guidelines for Humanities, Social Sciences and STEM:

     1.     Introduction:

1. • Clearly state the research question or objective of the research.
   • Briefly explain the significance of the topic or the motivation underlying the research question.

2. Methodology:
   • Summarize the research methodology used.
   • If this is an empirical paper, highlight the key data sources and models (or empirical technique).

3. Results:
   • Provide the main findings of the study.
   • Focus only on the most important results/key takeaways.

4. Conclusion/Implications:
   • Highlight the broader implications of your findings.
   • Mention potential policy relevance of your findings if applicable.

Writing Style:

·       Plain Language: Use simple and short sentences. Avoid jargon or overly technical terms specific to your field so that the content can be understood by a wider audience.

• Specificity: Avoid vague statements; focus on measurable outcomes and clear insights.
• Tense: Do not use future tense. Describe what you have done, not what you will do.
• Avoid Citations: Abstracts typically do not include references.

• ​​​Abstract Guidelines for Visual Arts:

   

  1.     Central Research Question and/or Purpose:

  Clearly state the purpose of your project or the research question you are addressing.

  o   Clearly articulate the primary research question or purpose of your project.

  o   Provide a concise explanation of the problem, theme, or concept you are exploring and its significance to your body of work.

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  2.     Artist Statement:

  Your artist statement should offer insight into the context and inspirations behind your work.

  o   Contextual Overview: Briefly describe the scholarly, cultural, or creative context of your work. Highlight how it seeks to make a unique contribution to the field of visual arts. (No citations are required, but the influences should be evident.)

  o   Influences and Inspirations: Identify key inspirations, including other artists, movements, or specific works. Discuss how political, cultural, or social issues, or personal experiences (e.g., life events, medical diagnoses, travels) have shaped your artistic direction.

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  3.   Research Methodology:

  Describe the techniques and processes used to create the work. 

  o  Be specific, whether you employed traditional methods such as oil painting on canvas or experimental approaches combining mixed media, digital tools, or other mediums.

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  4.   Conclusions or Expected Results:

  Conclude by summarizing what you’ve learned or expect to learn through this project.

  o  Discuss the successes and challenges encountered.

  o  Highlight future directions for your work and how this piece fits into your broader portfolio or future projects.

  o  Reflect on how this work contributes to the discourse or evolution of your practice.

   

   

  Writing Style:

  ·       Ensure the abstract is clear, well-written, and thoughtfully organized.

  While you are expected to briefly address all aspects listed above, focus in depth on one or two components central to your project, such as responding to Art History or the experimental process

   

  Submission Requirements

  ·       Text-Only Abstract: Your written submission must include text only (no images or graphics).

  ·       Sample Work Submission: Upload one example of your artwork. For works in progress, you may submit images of similar past works that represent the piece you plan to exhibit.

  ·       Video/Performance Documentation: If submitting a video or performance, the sample must not exceed 2 minutes in length.

Abstract Guidelines for Performing Arts

1. Central Research Question and/or Purpose

Clearly state the purpose of your project or the research question you are addressing.

·       Compositional Perspective: Why did you create this composition? What musical themes, techniques, or ideas were you exploring?

·       Performative Perspective: Why did you choose this piece to perform? What aspects of the work—technical, emotional, or historical—drew your interest?

2. Scholarly or Research Context

Provide a brief context for your work, showcasing its unique contribution to the field.

·       Creative Advancement: How does this composition or performance expand your creative practice?

·       Historical or Artistic Context: What are its connections to specific traditions, movements, or techniques in music or performance?

3. Research Methodology

Describe the methods and processes used in your work:

·       For Compositions: Explain the tools, techniques, or theoretical frameworks that guided the creation of the piece (e.g., improvisation, counterpoint, use of nontraditional scales).

·       For Performances: Outline your preparation process, such as interpretative decisions, rehearsal techniques, or collaborations with others.

4. Description of the Work

Offer a concise description of the musical work from either a compositional or performative standpoint.

·       For Compositions: Discuss structural elements such as form, harmony, rhythm, and texture.

·       For Performances: Highlight interpretive elements, technical challenges, and stylistic choices made in preparation.

5. Conclusions or Expected Results

Reflect on the outcomes of your work:

·       What did you learn through the composition or preparation process?

·       How has this project influenced your understanding of music and your broader creative output?

·       What successes or challenges shaped your final product, and how does it connect to your future artistic endeavors?

Writing and Organization

Ensure your abstract is:

·       Clear and Well-Organized: Use concise language and logical structure to present your ideas.

·       Focused: While all components listed above should be addressed, prioritize the aspects most central to your project.

Submission Requirements

·       Text-Only Abstract: Your written submission must include text only (no images or graphics).

·       Recording and Score: Include a link (via Box, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) to a recording of the work. If required, also provide a score for performances.

Film - This presentation mode allows students to present research or creative projects through short film. 

• Scheduled in a series of other presentations, each are 15-minutes max (10-minute presentation + 5 minutes Q&A) 

• Please plan to pre-record the short film so it can be shared in a digital format during the presentation. The length of the film to be shared should fit within your presentation timeslot. 

Exhibits - This presentation mode involves students showcasing their research or creative projects through visual arts displays, which may include paintings, sculptures, photography, digital art, and other visual media.  

• Students participate in a 60-minute session 

• Students (max of 2 students) stand by their exhibits to discuss their work with event attendees and answer questions.  

Oral Presentations - These are traditional presentations where students present their research findings or projects to an audience using slides or other visual aids. 

• Scheduled in a series of other presentations, each are 15-minutes max (10-minute presentation + 5 minutes Q&A) 

• Students are not replaying their pre-recorded presentation 

Performances - This category allows students to present research or creative projects through performances, such as musical performances, theatrical acts, dance routines, spoken word, or other artistic expressions. 

• Scheduled in a series of other presentations, each are 15-minutes max (10-minute presentation + 5 minutes Q&A) 

• Note: If live performance is preferred, we encourage students to provide needed musicians, actors, dancers, readers, etc. as presenters and/or co-presenters as part of their submission since local talent is limited. 

• If presenting a group performance, the entire performance MUST be no longer than 10 minutes. 

Poster Presentations - Poster sessions involve displaying a visual representation of the research project on a large poster board including a mixture of text with tables, graphs, and pictures to present your findings in a visually interesting and accessible way. This will serve as a tool to prompt discussion with colleagues during the 60 minute poster session. 

• Students participate in a 60-minute poster session 

• Students (max of 2 students) stand by their posters to discuss their work with conference attendees and answer questions.  

• Poster max size of 42W" x 40H" with White Background Only 

• ONLY posters uploaded to the submission form My Account. (max of 2 students) by the posted deadline will be printed by the Research Day Committee. Poster presenters will have only one complimentary poster printed per uploaded submission.  We can not reprint posters.  

• Students are responsible for printing posters not submitted by that date. 

• Items typically included in poster: Title, Authors, Abstract, Introduction, Materials & Methods, Results, Discussion, Acknowledgments, and References (See Resources **How to Make a Poster** and Poster Template Example ).  The templates are examples.  You do not have to use them.

• All abstracts must be submitted by the posted deadline(s). Please refer to the submission deadlines and make sure you submit your abstract accordingly. Notification decisions will be sent according to the posted schedule. 

• Should your abstract be accepted, you will use your submission account to complete your application and upload your poster (if applicable). 

• Up to two abstracts per primary presenter are permitted. Up to a maximum of two co-presenters may be listed on each submitted abstract. There is no limit on the number of abstracts where an individual is credited as a co-author. 

• Abstracts will undergo a rigorous evaluation by a panel of expert volunteer reviewers. Abstract reviewers will evaluate submissions based on the criteria listed below and will assess overall merit within the context of the specific academic discipline. 

• The title and author(s) of your abstract will appear EXACTLY as they are entered in the abstract submission form. Please double check punctuation, grammar, and spelling before submitting. 

• Upon acceptance, your abstract will automatically be incorporated into the final program, which you may later reference for graduate school applications, resumes, CVs, etc.

• Follow the guidelines above when preparing your abstract. Select the category option which is most appropriate. 

• If you need assistance writing your abstract, please reach out to your mentor and/or contact the Undergraduate Reseach & Training Program Office for additioanl support.  

• Poster Creation Resources
  • **How to Make a Poster**
  • Poster Template Example

• Additional resources will be added in the coming weeks