Florida A&M University to Showcase Student Innovation at 4th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) will host its 4th Annual Undergraduate
Research Symposium on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. The event will take place at the Lawson
Center concourse from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is the university’s main opportunity for
students to share their new research and creative work with other students, staff,
and the public.
Tiffany Ardley is the director of the Office of Undergraduate Research at Florida
A&M University. (Photo special to FAMU)
Historically, the symposium has been a highlight of the university’s STEM Week celebrations. However, this year marks a significant shift as the symposium transitions into a standalone marquee event.
Tiffany Ardley, Ph.D., director of the Office of Undergraduate Research at FAMU, said: “We chose April
8 deliberately and ensured it was approved by the university president and provost
before STEM Week was officially announced.” Separately choosing the date shows that
the university is serious about making undergraduate research an important part of
the school year.
A Multidisciplinary Hub of Discovery
The 2026 symposium is intentionally designed to be an inclusive, “big tent” event that reflects the full spectrum of academic excellence at FAMU. The showcase is not just about regular laboratory sciences. It is organized into three main thematic areas:
- Behavioral Sciences: Featuring research in the arts, humanities, psychology, sociology, and communications.
- Health Sciences: Highlighting advancements in nursing, public health, and pharmacy.
- STEM: Showcasing innovation in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and architecture.
By bringing these different subjects together, the university helps students and staff talk and share ideas across fields. Here, a broadcast journalism student can talk about data visualization with a mechanical engineering student, fostering the kind of collaborative thinking required in the modern professional world.
Cultivating the Next Generation of Scholars
To support students at every stage, the symposium has two separate groups: one for freshmen and one for sophomores and older students. This setup gives first-year students, who may be sharing their own research for the first time, a special opportunity to show what they can do alongside more experienced students.
“The symposium is more than an assignment; it is a testament to the resilience and tenacity of our students,” organizers noted. Students work for months under the guidance of teachers. They refine their ideas and prepare to explain their work to a panel of expert judges.
Schedule of Events
The four-hour program offers a comprehensive look at the future of global innovation:
- 10:00 a.m.: Poster set-up begins on the Al Lawson concourse.
- 10:30 a.m.: Opening session featuring introductory remarks.
- 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Main poster presentations and public viewing.
- 12:30 p.m.: Final judging of research projects.
- 1:00 p.m.: Networking lunch for student participants and faculty.
- 2:00 p.m.: Closing session and announcement of the 2026 winners.
"The structured nature of the day, from the morning setup to the final awards, is
designed to mirror professional academic conferences," Ardley explained. "We want
our students to feel the weight of their contributions and understand that their research
has value far beyond the classroom."
Institutional Support and Vision
The presence of the president, provost, and Title III director at the event further signals the institutional weight placed on high-impact academic outcomes. With support from the Office of the Provost and the Office of Undergraduate Research, FAMU provides students with the support they need to make a real impact before they graduate.
The 4th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium is free and open to all members of the FAMU community, alumni, and the general public. For more information about the symposium or undergraduate research, contact the Office of the Provost.
About Florida A&M University: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is a public, historically Black university in Tallahassee, Florida. Founded in 1887, it is the top-ranked public HBCU in the country and focuses on giving students a high-quality, affordable education while preparing them to be leaders in the world.
Media Contact
Rachel James-Terry
Senior Director of Strategic Communications
rachel.jamesterry@famu.edu
Deidre Williams
Director of Communications, Office of the Provost
deidre.williams@famu.edu
