Like booths in a bustling marketplace, hundreds of display panels stand in rows to beckon passersby. Curiously, nothing is for sale. Instead of wares, these panels present nuggets of knowledge—discoveries and creative works that hold the potential to improve countless lives.
As scholars at each station relate research findings and creative ideas, inquisitive crowds lean in to listen. The Compton Union Building Ballroom buzzes with conversation.
The event is Academic Showcase, the annual poster session for WSU faculty, staff, and graduate and professional students. Scholars who hope to participate in the 2020 session must apply online by the Jan. 15 deadline.
“Exchanging knowledge is a critical first step to solving society’s most pressing problems,” said Rebecca Van de Vord, Ph.D., co‑chair of the Showcase Steering Committee. “I encourage WSU scholars to share their work at this important event.”
Academic Showcase will be held Thursday, March 26, 2020, at WSU Pullman.
By Jan. 15, every aspiring participant must submit a short (250 words or less) abstract of the work they plan to present.
“Draft and submit your abstract early,” advised Vice Provost Laura Hill, who co‑chairs the Showcase Steering Committee with Van de Vord. “Then your application will be complete before winter break and the busy start of spring semester.”
Academic Showcase runs concurrently with the Graduate and Professional Students Association (GPSA) Research Exposition, a combination poster session and scholarship competition for graduate and professional students from the WSU Pullman campus. Participants vie for $9,600 in awards.
The two events are part of a weeklong program known simply as Showcase, which honors scholarly achievements of the university community. Packed with poster sessions, competitions, and speeches, Showcase week culminates in a banquet, where WSU pays tribute to outstanding work of faculty and staff.
Mark your calendar for the following Showcase 2020 events:
Tuesday, March 24
- State of the University Address
President Schulz highlights the University’s accomplishments of the past 12 months.
Wednesday, March 25
- Distinguished Faculty Address
The address honors a faculty member who has risen to the front ranks of his or her discipline through achievements in research, scholarship, and teaching. All are welcome. - 3‑Minute Thesis
This competition challenges doctoral students to present a compelling oration on their thesis and its significance in just 3 minutes.
Thursday, March 26
- Academic Showcase
Faculty, staff, and graduate/professional students from all disciplines, campuses, and Extension offices statewide present their research, scholarship, or creative work to WSU colleagues. - Graduate and Professional Students Association (GPSA) Research Exposition
WSU Pullman graduate and professional students vie for $9,600 in scholarship awards. GPSA Research Exposition runs concurrently with Academic Showcase. - Emeritus Society Legacy of Excellence Lecture
A lecture will be delivered by the 2020 recipient of the Emeritus Society Legacy of Excellence Award.
Friday, March 27
- Crimson Reads
This event recognizes faculty, students, staff, alumni, and retirees who have authored, co‑authored, or edited a book within the past year. - Celebrating Excellence Banquet
The University bestows a slate of awards to honor outstanding faculty and staff. It also recognizes newly promoted and tenured faculty.
Monday, March 30
- Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (SURCA)
Freshmen through seniors from all majors and campuses compete for awards by sharing their original, faculty-mentored research.
For more information, see the Showcase website or contact event organizers at showcase@wsu.edu, 509‑335‑6674.
