Kearns Center to Host 33rd Annual Summer Research Symposium
Please join the David T. Kearns Center for Leadership and Student Success as we celebrate the achievements of this year’s summer research scholars at the 33rd annual Kearns Summer Research Symposium.
The Symposium—which will take place over two days this year: Wednesday, July 30 and Thursday, July 31, 2025—will include an opening day with speakers and poster presentations, and a departmental day where scholars will have the chance to deliver oral presentations.
For over 30 years the David T. Kearns Center has hosted the research symposium to celebrate the achievements of hundreds of incredible research scholars who spend the summer engaged in groundbreaking research at the University of Rochester. This summer, the Kearns Center has welcomed nearly 40 students to campus who are participating in the Ronald E. McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program or Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Programs in nanophotonics, quantum photonics and vision/biomedical optics, and physics and astronomy. The scholars participating in these programs come from both the University of Rochester as well as other institutions across the country.
The symposium will resemble a conference style format, with poster sessions happening on Day 1 in Hirst Lounge, and oral presentations happening on Day 2 in breakout rooms inside Rush-Rhees Library, Bauch & Lomb Hall and Wegmans Hall.
Event Schedule
DAY 1: Wednesday, July 30
- 10:30-10:45 a.m.—Arrival and Sign-in (May Room and May Bridge)
- 10:45-11:15 a.m.—Welcome and Opening (May Room)
- 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.—Panel Discussion (May Room)
- 12:15-1:30 p.m.—Break for Lunch (May Room)
- 1:45-3:15 p.m.—Poster presentations (Hirst Lounge)
- 3:15-3:30 p.m.—Day Close (May Room)
DAY 2: Thursday, July 31
- 8 a.m.—Day 2 begins at various campus locations (Hawkins-Carlson, Bauch & Lomb Hall and Wegmans Hall)
- 8 a.m.-2:45 p.m.—Parallel Oral Presentations – session 1 and 2 (start times will vary at Hawkins-Carlson, Bauch & Lomb Hall and Wegmans Hall)
- 2:45-3:45 p.m.—Closing Reception
The 33rd Annual Kearns Summer Research Symposium will also feature remarks from two keynote speakers on day one. Dr. Elaine Sia, Senior Vice Provost for Academic Excellence and Marissa Hendrickson, a 2023 graduate of the University of Rochester.
Dr. Sia has been in her role as Senior Vice Provost for Academic Excellence since January 2025, but is no stranger to the University of Rochester. Dr. Sia has been a member of the University for 25 years, serving as a professor in the Department of Biology and the associate dean of academic affairs for the School of Arts & Sciences and the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences. Marissa Hendrickson graduated from the University of Rochester in 2023 with a BA in psychology and minors in brain and cognitive science and biology. Most recently, Marissa has worked as a research assistant for a developmental psychology lab but will be leaving to pursue a PhD in Developmental Psychology at UC Davis.
The two-day Symposium will conclude with a reception in Welles-Brown Room, Rush Rhees Library. For more information or to request an accommodation please contact Samantha Branch or Melissa Raucci in the Kearns Center.
The event is listed on the University of Rochester calendar, so feel free to share it on social media or add it to your calendar!
