Graduate Students Present Projects at Graduate Showcase

The Graduate School hosted its annual graduate research showcase on April 17, 2026 with an abundance of attendees and participants. Every year The Graduate School hosts The Showcase of Graduate Student Scholarship with their peers. The event includes oral presentations, poster presentations, installations, and performances within a conference setting; followed by a recognition reception. 

This year included topics such as grad school curriculum, history, occupational therapy practice, writing centers, psychological sciences, art installations, ethics, and more. Students take this opportunity to not only share their projects, but to present in front of an audience, listen to other perspectives, and speak on topics they are passionate about.  

After speaking to some student participants, they all agree the showcase provided a great opportunity build presentation skills and bring new and exciting topics to an engaged audience. Communication and Advocacy M.A. student, Baylea Gunkel presented her project titled “Voice of Resistance: A Rhetorical Analysis of Personal Testimony in the Documentary Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution” and explained that, “Since current events are surrounding this topic again, I believe that it needs to be talked about more in society. Being able to present and advocate for inclusivity within these communities at the showcase, helps raise discussions and prepares me for more presentations in the future.”   

Also a part of the same cohort, Ezekiel Olaniyan presented his ongoing research titled, “When the Algorithm Says No: How Young Black Men Interpret Job Rejections in AI-Driven Hiring Systems” and commented, “I wasn’t ready in time for the 3MT so I thought that presenting at the showcase would be a good idea to help me build on my professional skills. I also think it's an important topic to share and presenting my ongoing projects to others allows me to expand my audience, hear different perspectives, and bring to light questions I hadn’t considered before.” Along with having a great opportunity to share topics and gain perspective, students have also taken the showcase as an opportunity to connect their scholarship to various societal issues. 

Adult Education / Human Resource Development M.S.Ed. student Ololade Afolabi also presented her research titled, “Employee Engagement And Its Motivational Drivers: Lived Experiences Of Generation Y Employees In The Workplace,” and explained, “I think it's important to show others the connections we make between research and industry practice. Presenting this research at the showcase not only shows how valuable research but also gave me the chance to share how industry practice can be enriched through research and theory.”  Many students like Ololade, Baylea, and Ezekiel take pride in their projects and appreciate the opportunity to share their insights. 

In addition to the presentations, the showcase recognizes the diligence and excellence from students who dedicate their projects to community engagement, innovation, and civic engagement. Congratulations to Anna Showalter and Barnabus Suva for winning the Community Engagement award; Corrinn Ford for winning the Innovation award; and Tonka Williams for winning the Civic Engagement award! 

The showcase also recognizes outstanding thesis and dissertation with this year’s awards going to Dr. Whitney Tate and Dr. Addison Walton for outstanding dissertation; as well as DaNae Peterson and Neleah Richarson for outstanding thesis.  

This year’s showcase was filled with excellent and insightful projects. Further focusing on the meaningful student interactions and recognition of scholarship and creativity. If you have the chance to participate or attend next year it is sure to be a great experience. 

Visit the Showcase of Graduate Student Scholarship and Creative Activities webpage to learn more.