The Graduate Poster Showcase 2026

Graduate Studies will again sponsor the Graduate Poster Showcase (GPS) and competition on March 12, 2026. The GPS features outstanding graduate student research, displayed in poster format, from students across campus and all departments. We look forward to hosting this event and urge members of as many of UNM’s academic graduate programs to participate. 

Event and Registration Info

• Registration opens at the beginning of the spring semester for submission of title, abstract, and suggested tracks.
• Registration closes 13 February 2026
• Event is 12 March 2026:
  • 2-4pm poster display/judging
  • 4-5pm reception and award announcements

Benefits of participating

You will gain valuable experience in writing a professional abstract and in preparing a professional poster that conveys your scholarly work in a concise and understandable way suitable for a broad audience. Students will experience interacting with experts and the general community in explaining their work and fielding observer questions. All participants will receive a $100 scholarship to support the cost of poster printing. Multiple cash prizes will be awarded: every track offers prizes of $250 for first place and $100 for second place.

Eligibility

If you are a currently enrolled UNM graduate student in any department or graduate program at UNM, then you are encouraged to apply! Participants must be enrolled in a graduate or post-undergraduate professional program at UNM and must present on a thesis, dissertation, or other substantial scholarly project where they are the primary author.

About the judging

During the Showcase event on March 12, students will stand by their poster and present its contents to showcase attendees, including judges. Three judges will interview presenters and provide feedback during the session. Note: Posters will be grouped into topical “tracks” based on suggestions from the student presenter. Each track will have its own set of judges, who will evaluate and score all posters in that track. Each poster will be judged according to standard criteria (please see below).

Poster Guidelines

1. Posters must be a standard size of 48" across and 36” tall.
2. As the student arrives with their pre-printed poster, staff will assist in attaching it to a rigid foam board mounted on a display easel. Each poster will receive a number that judges will use when referring to the student's work.
3. Poster presenters must be available throughout the duration of the showcase (2-4pm, March 12, 2026). Winners will be announced during the reception, which begins at 4:00 p.m.
4. Students may provide handouts to observers. Posters should clearly and concisely illustrate the student’s project usually with a mix of graphics/pictures/data tables, etc., surrounded by brief paragraphs of description to help guide the reader through the topic. Please see examples of successful poster presentations in links at bototm of page. Some student organizations offer workshops on poster preparation. Many departments also have displays of research posters in their areas.
5. Please dress professionally (i.e. professional or business casual).
6. GPS posters will be evaluated using a 20-point rubric focused on the following criteria:
   • Research Quality - Are there clear objectives, methods, results, and conclusions? Are conclusions well-reasoned and supported by results? (up to 5 points).
   • Presentation of Research - Does the poster present the research in a compelling way, including academic context, methods, findings, potential applications, and significance (up to 5 points).
   • Visual Quality - Is the poster well-organized? Visually appealing? Are font sizes and colors appropriate (easy to read from 3 to 5 feet away)? Are figures presented with all the information necessary to interpret them? (up to 5 points).
   • Presenter Interaction - Is the presenter knowledgeable about the subject matter? Does the presenter respond appropriately to relevant questions about research? (up to 5 points).
7. Most importantly, get advice on what makes for a great poster presentation by talking to your mentor/advisor, other graduate students, past winners, or looking online at our site for examples of past GPS presentations. Finally, have fun and good luck!
8. All students will receive feedback on their presentations. Decisions and comments from judges are intended to be helpful, constructive, and to benefit future presentations or communication of research by the student.

2025 Graduate Poster Showcase Finalists

2025 Graduate Poster Showcase Winners

1st place - Hamideh Shojaeian
2nd place - Samuel Coulter
3rd place - Adrianna Fragozo

Contact: For more information, contact Dr. Bill Gannon wgannon@unm.edu.