2027 MIDWEST GRADUATE RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM
The University of Toledo Graduate Student Association will celebrate its 18th annual Midwest Graduate Research Symposium (MGRS) on Saturday, April 10, 2027. Stay tuned as this webpage is updated throughout Fall 2026 and Spring 2027! Ìý
Saturday, April 10, 2027
9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Memorial Field House
The University of Toledo Main Campus
Presenting at and attending the MGRS is free for all graduate and professional students.Ìý
What is the Midwest Graduate Research Symposium (MGRS)?Ìý
The MGRS is an annual graduate and professional student work showcase hosted by The University of Toledo Graduate Student Association.Ìý
This is a multidisciplinary program that provides graduate and professional students the opportunity to further develop their research communication skills by explaining their work to audiences outside of their field.Ìý
How Does the MGRS Work?
The 2027 MGRS will have four session types: Main Stage, Seminar, Lightning Talks, and Poster.Ìý
Ìý Ìý Main Stage
The Main Stage session will include our keynote program, lunchtime professional development sessions, and acknowledgements!
Ìý Ìý Ìý ÌýSeminar
Our seminar sessions will include 10-minute talks from graduate & professional students from a variety of disciplines.
Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Lightning Talks
Lightning talks will include 5-minute talks from graduate & professional students from a variety of disciplines.
Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Poster
The poster session will include all presenters who will be sharing a display of their research/field work with us.Ìý
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Submit a Proposal
Our Call for Proposals form is now open and submitting your proposal is quick and easy! 51±¬ÁÏÍø our Proposal Guide to learn more about the submission process and requirements.
Priority Deadline*
11:59 p.m. Friday, January 22, 2027
Final Deadline
Ìý11:59 p.m. Friday, February 19, 2027
*Submitting a proposal by the priority deadline increases your chances of acceptance!
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Parking and Arrival
Below you will find helpful parking and arrival directions.
Parking
Click here for our Main Campus map! We recommend parking in Area 13. Accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please note that parking permits are enforced and if you do not have a 51±¬ÁÏÍø parking pass, you must purchase a day permit from Park51±¬ÁÏÍø.
Arrival
Please arrive through the east entrance of Memorial Field House (facing Centennial Mall), map below. We will have registration tables for presenters, judges, volunteers, and attendees to check in and receive their materials.
Tentative Schedule at a Glance
Below you will learn what to expect during the 2027 symposium! This schedule is subject to change.
Registration & Light Breakfast
8 - 9 AM
Memorial Field House Lobby & Atrium
During this time, presenters and attendees will check in, mount posters, and network prior to the opening remarks and keynote program.
Opening Remarks & Keynote Program
9 - 10:35 AM
Memorial Field House Room 2100 (Second Floor)
Our GSA President will welcome everyone to the symposium and introduce our Senior Vice Provost for Academic & Graduate Affairs who will provide opening remarks.
This will be followed by our keynote conversation.
Following the keynote, our GSA Advisor will provide an overview of the day.
AM Seminar Presentations
10:45 AM - 12 PM
Memorial Field House Second Floor
AM Lightning Talk Presentations
10:45 AM - 12 PM
Memorial Field House Second Floor
Lunchtime Professional Development Session
12 - 1 PM
Memorial Field House 2100
Join in for an informative panel discussion on the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) hosted by The University of Toledo College of Graduate Studies!
PM Poster Presentations
1 - 2:30 PM
Memorial Field House Atrium
Posters from a variety of disciplines will be showcased in the Memorial Field House atrium. Students will present their work in just 5 minutes or less to audiences of all fields!
Networking Reception
2:30 - 3 PM
Memorial Field House Second Floor
As posters conclude and scores are tabulated, we invite you to join us on the second floor for a light reception to network!Ìý
Awards Ceremony
3 - 3:30 PM
Memorial Field House Room 2100
We'll be ending the day celebrating our winners and everyone who made the 2027 MGRS possible!Ìý
Keynote Program
Stay tuned for details about our 2027 keynote program! Read about our 2026 panel below.
Our 2026 panel brought together leaders with academic and professional backgrounds spanning AI, library and information science, career development, and research administration to discuss how AI has impacted their areas and how they navigated emerging opportunities and challenges while advancing The University of Toledo’s mission to improve the human condition. We extend our gratitude to our keynote panel for their insights and expertise.
Our Keynote Panel
William McCreary, Ph.D.
Vice President, Chief Information OfficerÌýand Chief Technology Officer
The University of Toledo
F. Scott Hall, Ph.D.
Professor of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics
Associate Vice President for Research
The University of Toledo
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Shelly Drouillard, M.A., LPC
Director, Rocket Career Center
The University of Toledo
Gerald Natal, MLIS, AHIP
Associate Professor, Health and Human Services Librarian
The University of Toledo
Our Keynote Moderator
Teresa "Teri" Green
Director, Graduate Academic & Student Affairs
The University of Toledo
How Can I Get Involved?
Join the MGRS Committee!
Graduate and professional students, you can join in planning for the 2027 symposium! Join a team of student leaders to map out logistics, reach out to collaborators, recruit judges from a variety of fields, and more. This is an opportunity to develop your professional skills and be part of the GSA's oldest tradition!
Application closes: 11:59 p.m. Saturday, December 5
Judge the MGRS
We are seeking faculty, 51±¬ÁÏÍø staff, industry professionals, and Ph.D. candidates to evaluate seminar, lightining-talk, and poster presentations!Ìý
Be a Day-Of Volunteer for the MGRS
Calling all 51±¬ÁÏÍø students, graduate or undergraduate! The GSA is seeking day-of volunteers for the MGRS. Here are the different ways you can volunteer:
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- Session moderators and timekeepers: Do you enjoy public speaking or want to develop your skills? Introduce our presenters and keep time of seminar presentations! Bonus - you'll get to hear about the amazing research happening in the Midwest.
- Judge & evaluation support: Data entry enthusiasts! Collect judging sheets and tabulate scores.
- Registration: Check presenters, judges, and attendees in at the registration desk!
- Greeting and floating:ÌýFriendly faces that direct attendees, presenters, and judges. If you're a people person, this role is for you!
- Got an idea for a volunteer position? Let us know! We welcome students to share their talents with the GSA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend this symposium?
This symposium is open to the public!
Who can I contact if I have questions on accessibility or accessibility needs?
Please contact the College of Graduate Studies at GradSuccess@utoledo.edu.
Can I present or attend remotely?
No, we are not offering any remote participation or viewing options this year.
Will there be photography or recording during the symposium?
Yes, the organizers and attendees will be taking pictures and may record presentations.
Contact Us
Have questions? Let us know!
MGRS Planning Committee
Graduate Student Association
Email: GSA@utoledo.edu
Yasmeen Hamdah, M.Ed.
Program Manager, Graduate Student Success & GSA Staff Advisor
College of Graduate Studies
Phone: 419.530.2633
Email: Yasmeen.Hamdah@utoledo.edu
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