Eli and others engaging with their research and the masterpiece that is the poster presentation, Photo Credits: Eli Andrade
Every October, Columbia invites students’ families to campus for a weekend full of “intellectual, informational, and social events designed to let you experience, if only for a few days, what it means to be a Columbia student.” The highlight of this weekend, formally known as Family Days, is Homecoming—the day Columbia’s football team inaugurates the football season by facing off against (and usually losing to) another Ivy League team.
For us nerdy kids, however, the true highlight of this special weekend is the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. On this holy day, all kinds of hopeful undergraduates across disciplines gather in Lerner to hang up their little 36″ by 41″ posters and vie for the Best Poster Prize. At first glance, the sheer number of people participating in the Symposium and the quality of their research can be daunting to the uninitiated. You must be asking yourself: “How can I, a novice in poster presentations, ever hope to compete against my more experienced peers, some of whom are under the tutelage of renowned faculty or working with established labs?”
Well, fret not because, while the Best Poster Prize at the symposium adds a thrilling competitive edge, it’s merely a glimpse into the vast intellectual landscape this event unfolds. The Symposium isn’t your run-of-the-mill academic gathering; it’s an immersive training ground where budding academics can gain a sneak peek into the world of original research. It’s a place to mingle with ideas, to learn from others, and to see your own concepts take flight. This event provides a unique opportunity to test the waters for those offbeat ideas that may not yet be ready for full-blown papers or writing samples. Think of it as a sandbox for your intellectual curiosity, a testing ground for the unconventional, all while you sip on a cup of intellectual tea. It’s an experience that not only exposes you to the art of making original research but also gives you a taste of what it’s like to attend a conference, a journey that every aspiring academic should embark upon.
But if you’re aiming for that coveted Best Poster win, it’s time to spill the beans on some tricks of the trade that I’ve picked up over the years. Brace yourself for a crash course in poster presentation perfection!
Before the Symposium:
- Ready to steal the spotlight? Craft a poster that’s impossible to ignore, designed to stop even the busiest symposium-goers in their tracks. Splash it with vivid colors, infuse it with a captivating aesthetic or design, sprinkle liberally with eye-catching images, and, last but not least, crown it with a title so bold that it practically shouts, “You can’t look away!” Make your poster an instant masterpiece that beckons all the curious onlookers to come closer.
- If the art of academic poster design feels like uncharted territory, fear not! Every year, the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships plays the role of your trusty navigator, hosting the Poster Design Webinar. It’s your passport to poster perfection, so be sure to mark your calendar and attend. They’ve got the insider tips to transform your poster into a work of scholarly art!
- PICK UP YOUR POSTER EARLY—don’t scramble the day before trying to get to the basement of Pulitzer Hall before Printing Services closes at 5 p.m.
- When Printing Services works their magic, they’ll roll it up and tuck it into a plastic bag. If you have the space, let your poster relax the night before by unrolling it and weighing down the corners with some books. This will make it a breeze to pin to the board without any curling mishaps.
- Don’t toss that plastic bag! It’s your secret weapon for safeguarding your masterpiece on the journey from your dorm to Lerner, shielding it from gusty winds and unexpected drizzles. Trust me, you don’t want your research to culminate in a crinkly, rain-soaked poster disaster.
- It’s Family Days, so roll out the red carpet for your loved ones. If your family can’t make it, extend a warm invitation to your friends for moral support. And don’t forget your mentors—drop them a quick formal email inviting them to join the poster parade. Even if they can’t attend, they’ll be touched by your thoughtfulness.
- Want to make an unforgettable entrance at the Symposium? Arrive fashionably early to set up your poster! Don’t be that person still struggling to hang their poster after the symposium has begun!
During the Symposium:
- When it comes to footwear for the big day, remember the golden rule: comfort is key! With two hours of standing ahead, the last thing you want is your poor feet staging a protest. Opt for those trusty, cushiony shoes that will keep you pain-free and focused on your poster triumph.
- While the symposium is your moment to shine, there’s no need for a full-on suit if that’s not your style. Feel free to express your unique fashion sense, but above all, prioritize comfort. After all, confidence and contentment are the ultimate accessories!
- Picture your presentation as more than just a monologue—it’s a lively conversation waiting to happen. Don’t forget to hit the pause button, allowing room for questions and discussions. It’s the secret sauce for building strong connections and making your symposium experience truly engaging.
- Swap the standard elevator pitch for a lightning-quick one-sentence summary. When someone pops the “tell me about your research” question, hit them with a snappy, witty one-liner that’ll reel them in faster than you can say “symposium.” Once they’re hooked, dive into your full elevator pitch and leave them wanting more.
- Don’t forget your trusty water bottle. After a two-hour marathon of delivering elevator pitches, your throat will thank you for that refreshing sip of hydration. Keep it handy and stay pitch-perfect!
- Before you dive into the competition, make sure to savor the symphony of knowledge all around you. Take a leisurely stroll through the room, indulge in some intellectual window shopping, and let your inner curiosity run wild. Strike up conversations, ask questions, and be the inquisitive scholar you were born to be. You never know what gems of inspiration you might uncover amidst your fellow scholars’ creations!
- If you’ve got your sights set on victory, don’t hesitate to rally support! Each poster board comes equipped with a nifty QR code linked to the voting Google Form. Just give it a nod and remind folks to cast their vote in your favor. Go for the gold!
- Speaking of competition, unleash the power of social media to give your poster the spotlight it deserves. If, like me, your family can’t make it to the Symposium, shoot them a text with a link to vote for your poster—trust me, they’ll be more than happy to support you, even if they can’t decipher your project’s intricacies.
After the Symposium:
- Don’t let those gracious supporters slip through the cracks—send out heartfelt thank-you notes to everyone who stopped by. And a special shout-out to your mentors—they’ll appreciate the gesture more than you can imagine. It’s the finishing touch to a symposium well done!
- Once you’ve wrapped up your stellar presentation, treat yourself to a well-deserved feast. Grab a satisfying lunch and bask in the glory of a job well done. It’s time to savor the taste of success!
- Last but not least, ensure you update your CV with this new feather in your cap. Your symposium experience deserves its place on your CV, showcasing your dedication to research and presentation skills. It’s not just an event; it’s a stepping stone in your academic journey!
I hope you found the tips helpful, and that they will add value to your symposium experience. Remember that the symposium is your opportunity to shine, learn, and connect with fellow scholars. Embrace the knowledge, the camaraderie, and the journey. Best of luck with your presentation, and may your presentation be a resounding success!