OSHKOSH—UW System students have the opportunity to present their work to a statewide audience at the WiSys SPARK Symposium at UW Oshkosh, Aug. 6-8.

Students are invited to present a research poster or showcase an innovative hands-on project to:

• Gain statewide exposure for their work.
• Improve presentation skills in a supportive environment.
• Experience a professional conference in-state.
• Win cash prizes up to $750.

In order to present, students must register for the symposium at wisys.org/spark and submit their project information during registration. The deadline to apply to present is July 14.

Students are encouraged to submit early as space is limited. UW System students receive free admission and free student housing on campus for the duration of the symposium (Aug. 6-8).

WHAT’S ELIGIBLE?

The showcase of student work is open to students from the 11 regional UW System institutions (UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-La Crosse, UW Oshkosh, UW-Parkside, UW-Platteville, UW-River Falls, UW-Stout, UW-Stevens Point, UW-Superior and UW-Whitewater).

WiSys is interested in showcasing projects from all disciplines—including science, technology, social sciences, humanities and arts—and from all levels.

While research posters are ubiquitous, WiSys also encourages students with innovative projects to present their work—including computer games, inventions, mobile apps, product prototypes, etc.—in other formats.

If you have questions about student presentations at the WiSys SPARK Symposium, please email [email protected] or visit wisys.org/spark.

A GREAT EVENT FOR STUDENTS

“WiSys is thrilled to host UW System students at our annual symposium where nearly half of the attendees are undergraduates,” said WiSys Assistant Director Adhira Sunkara. “It is one of our biggest highlights to engage with the state’s many talented, skilled and passionate students and to offer them the opportunity to network with industry leaders and other innovators from across the state.”

The WiSys SPARK Symposium is an annual celebration of the best and brightest faculty, staff, students and alumni in the UW System.

In addition to the poster and project showcase, several parts of the symposium are designed specifically for students including: 

• Student-led talks.
• A career pathways session, allowing students to explore their options after completing their undergraduate education. 
• Networking with Wisconsin industry leaders. 

Attending the symposium allows students to add to their resumes and experience what it is like to attend a professional conference for free.

WiSys is a nonprofit organization that works with faculty, staff, students, and alumni of the UW System to facilitate cutting-edge research programs, develop and commercialize discoveries and foster a spirit of innovative and entrepreneurial thinking across the state.