Workshops
Many workshops are offered by the Office of Undergraduate Research to work with students during the pre-conference preparation process. While workshops are designed for UMCUR presenters and performers, the ideas and practices shared likely will benefit any student interested in learning more about how to communicate projects in a conference setting.
All workshop materials will be published in a non-credit Canvas course. Materials will be posted after each workshop date and will remain accessible to any student, whether or not they are presenting at UMCUR. This Canvas space is intended to serve as an ongoing resource for students interested in strengthening their conference communication skills at their own pace.
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For students preparing abstracts or artist’s statements.
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How to Write an Abstract (Workshops I & II)
Interactive sessions focused on drafting, revising, and strengthening abstracts and artist’s statements for UMCUR submissions. -
Exact dates, times, and locations are listed in the Important Dates section.
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For students interested in communicating research clearly to broad audiences.
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“1,000 Most Used Words” Science Communication Workshop
A two-part experience focused on accessible science communication, including:-
an instructional session on clear, audience-centered writing
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a recording session where students create short communication pieces to be featured during UMCUR and beyond
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Exact dates, times, and locations are listed in the Important Dates section.
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For students presenting posters at UMCUR.
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Preparing for a Poster Presentation (Workshops I & II)
Guidance on poster design, visual storytelling, layout, and effectively communicating research in poster format, with opportunities for feedback and revision. -
Exact dates, times, and locations are listed in the Important Dates section.
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For students giving talks or performances.
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Preparing for an Oral Presentation or Performance (Workshops I & II)
Strategies for structuring presentations or performances, engaging diverse audiences, and refining delivery, visuals, and media components. -
Exact dates, times, and locations are listed in the Important Dates section.
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For all presentation and performance types.
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Pre-Conference Practice Sessions
Supportive, low-pressure opportunities to practice presentations or performances and receive feedback prior to UMCUR. -
Exact dates, times, and locations are listed in the Important Dates section.
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Resources
Writing an Abstract or Artist's Statement
- Required UMCUR Abstract/Artist's Statement Components: Visit the UMCUR registration page. Under the "More Information" heading, select "Requirements for an Abstract/Artist's Statement."
- How to Write an Abstract for a Conference (Ex Ordo)
- Writing an Abstract in Different Fields (George Mason University)
- How to Write a Research Abstract (UM Writing Center)
- How to Write an Artist's Statement (The Creative Independent)
- Abstract and Artist's Statement Samples
- How to Write a Great Title (PLOS)
- UMCUR Archives
Presenting
- Preparing and Delivering Oral Presentations (Trent University)
- How to Give a Dynamic Scientific Presentation (Elsevier)
- Artist Talk Resource Guide (Amplify Arts)
- Designing Effective PowerPoint Presentations (Carnegie Mellon University)
- 10 Simple Rules for Effective Presentation Slides (PLOS Computational Biology)
Posters
- Preparing a Poster for Printing (UM PawPrint)
- How to Create a Research Poster (NYU Libraries)
- Scientific Poster Layout and Design (Poster Nerd)
- How to Design an Award-Winning Scientific Conference Poster (Animate Your Science)
- Making an Impact With Your Poster (University of Liverpool)
- Tips for Presenting Your Scientific Poster at a Conference (Scientifica)
- Getting Your Poster Ready to Print (PhD Posters)
- How to Create a Simple Scientific Poster Template in PowerPoint (Animate Your Science)
- Video: How to Create a Research Poster in PowerPoint (Smith Institute via YouTube)
- How to Create Beautiful and Effective Academic Posters in PowerPoint (Bright Carbon)