April 7 - 9, 2026
Celebrating
our 14th event!
The Academic Research Conference (ARC) is a multidisciplinary, hybrid showcase of student scholarship and creative work. ARC recognizes that impactful inquiry emerges across fields, from the sciences and engineering to the arts, humanities, education, business, health, and professional studies, and provides a supportive venue to present, receive feedback, and build collaborations.
Celebrating our 14th Event!
The Academic Research Conference (ARC) is a multidisciplinary, hybrid showcase of student scholarship and creative work. ARC recognizes that impactful inquiry emerges across fields, from the sciences and engineering to the arts, humanities, education, business, health, and professional studies, and provides a supportive venue to present, receive feedback, and build collaborations.
ARC 2026 runs April 7鈥�9, 2026, with free registration. Undergraduate, graduate, faculty, and other professional presenters are invited to share work in posters, oral talks, creative/performance pieces, and applied/community projects. A virtual poster hall and live-streamed sessions expand access for remote participants.
2026 Highlights
- Hands-on, career-focused AI workshop
- Career Fair & Networking events
- Mentorship Excellence Award and student presentation awards
- Virtual Poster Hall for asynchronous viewing
Key Dates
- Project Summary deadline: February 27, 2026
- Conference: April 7鈥�9, 2026
ARC celebrates rigorous methods, clear communication, and inclusive participation. Join us to showcase your work, connect with peers and mentors, and advance ideas that matter.
We Are Proud
The Academic Research Conference’s impact grows each year!
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Nominate a Mentor Who Made a Difference.
What's in it for students?
How to write a project summary:
Support the Academic Research Conference.
Event Schedule
Tue, Apr 7:聽Virtual presentations via Zoom
Wed, Apr 8: In-person presentations, Career Fair, and Keynote
Thu, Apr 9: AI Workshop
Keynote Speaker
April 8, 2026 | 5:00 PM
Jonathan Barlow is Associate Director of the Data Science Program and an Assistant Teaching Professor at Mississippi State University. Previously, Barlow was an associate director at NSPARC, a research center at Mississippi State University. Before joining Mississippi State in 2012, he worked for 15 years in the private sector. With a background in industry and university research, Barlow has more than 25 years of experience in software development, data modeling, data-intensive applications, and data analysis. Barlow received his Ph.D. from Saint Louis University. His data science research interests involve natural language processing and the ethics of artificial intelligence. He is passionate about connecting students with resources that allow for exploring the use of data to solve real-world problems in areas as diverse as sports, financial markets, the environment, sociology, and economics.
AI Workshop & Panel
Friday, April 9, 2026 | 1:00鈥�4:00 PM | Bell Conference Center
As part of ARC 2026, this career-oriented AI workshop and panel discussion brings together higher education leaders and workforce innovators to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming education and professional preparation.
Featured speakers include Dr. James Robinson (Jackson State University) on AI policy and governance; Krystal Chatman (Computer Science Teachers Association) on AI in the classroom; Bob Buseck (Mississippi Coding Academies) on AI and workforce development; Dr. Alisa Mosley (Jackson State University) on AI and university strategy; and Dr. Craig A. Meyer (Jackson State University) on reframing AI through a process-oriented lens.
Through interactive discussion and applied insights, participants will gain practical strategies for using AI ethically, equitably, and effectively in academic and professional settings. See the flyer.
Awards
The ARC offers three awards in each undergraduate and graduate category for on-campus presentations. Awards are based on the merit of the research and the quality of the student鈥檚 presentation, as evaluated by a panel of professionals using a standardized rubric. Only students who are present in person on campus are eligible for monetary awards.
1st Place – $150
2nd Place – $100
3rd Place – $75
1st Place – $200
2nd Place – $125
3rd Place – $75
1st Place – $200
2nd Place – $125
3rd Place – $75
1st Place – $225
2nd Place – $100
3rd Place – $50
Monetary awards will be granted only in categories with at least five (5) eligible presentations. If fewer than five presentations are submitted in a category, the conference reserves the right, at the judges’ discretion, to reduce or withhold awards to maintain competitive standards.
Testimonials
Past Presenter Experience
Dr. Mara DeLuca, 宅男福利社graduate and a Lecturer in Biomechanics at Brunel University London, UK
Past Presenter Experience
Dr. Fhallon Ware-Gilmore, 宅男福利社graduate and Epidemic Intelligence Service Officer at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Past Presenter Experience
Dr. Lingyan Kong | Associate Professor
Human Nutrition and Hospitality Management
The University of Alabama
As an avid participant in the University Research Symposium (now Academic Research Conference) at the 宅男福利社, our research group has had the honor and privilege of making our presence felt year after year. Every time, our students embark on a transformative journey. The symposium pushes them out of their comfort zones, challenging them to distill months, if not years, of rigorous research into concise, impactful presentations. These presentations are more than just a report of data and results; they鈥檙e a testament to the perseverance, creativity, and dedication that drives scientific exploration. As we look forward to attending in the years to come, we remain ever grateful for the lessons learned, the connections made, and the unwavering support of the 宅男福利社community.
Location
Poster session and Graduate School and Career Expo will be held at Hughes Gym located at 42 Pruitt Drive, Livingston, AL 35470
Keynote and oral talk will be held at Bell Conference Center located at 37 Webb Circle, Livingston, AL 35470
Sponsors
Hosts
1 College Dr.
宅男福利社Station 7
Livingston, AL 35470