Student Research and Creativity Exposition (OSCAR Expo)

Fredonia is hosting the 2026 SUNY Undergraduate Research Conference: April 21, 2026

In place of our annual Student Creativity and Research Expo, Fredonia will be hosting the SUNY Undergraduate Research Conference (SURC) on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

SURC brings together undergraduate students and faculty mentors from across the SUNY system for a full day of activities, including sessions devoted to student presentations (oral, performance, artistic displays, and poster), luncheon, keynote speakers, a SUNY Graduate School and Career Fair, and professional development workshops. SURC is supported by the Offices of the Chancellor, Provost, and Research Foundation, as well as SUNY student and faculty governance organizations.

As with our traditional Student Research and Creativity Exposition, SURC will celebrate the research and creative activity of undergraduate and graduate students from all academic disciplines. Formats for presentations include FREDx talks, oral presentations, poster presentations, a film fest featuring multimedia presentations, literary readings, and short performances and extended performances (e.g., music, theatre).

Abstract Submission Portal Opens: Monday, January 12, 2026
Abstract Submission Portal Closes: Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 11:59pm
Notifications of acceptance: The week of March 2, 2026
Registration Opens: Monday, March 2, 2026
Registrations Closes: Sunday, April 5, 2026 at 11:59pm
Space at both sites is limited. Abstracts and registrants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Information regarding abstract submissions, presentation guidelines, transfer/graduate/career fair tables and registration will be available soon. For general questions and comments about SURC, please contact SURC@SUNY.edu.

Abstract submissions should be:

Written clearly and concisely
Identify the central research question, objective, or thesis of the project.
Summarize the methodology and/or findings of the research or creative work.
State conclusions, significance, and/or current state of the project
Written at college level (e.g., spelling, grammar, clarity, etc.)
Have prior approval by all secondary authors and the SUNY faculty mentor (faculty mentors will be notified via email of your submission).
Creative proposals should include an explanation of what motivated or inspired the work and what the audience is expected to experience when they view the work.

Abstract Formatting Guidelines:

Titles should be bolded, short and specific, and in mixed UPPER- and lower-case letters.
Use a 12-point Times New Roman font.
Abstract must be between 200 to 250 words (maximum).
Include plain text only. DO NOT include tables, charts, pictures, foreign characters, or scientific symbols.
DO NOT include citations and a reference list, unless a reference is central to the work being presented. (In this case, include the reference parenthetically in the body of the abstract.)
The title and abstract will appear in the conference program exactly as submitted, so please double-check spelling, punctuation, and clarity of prose.

Abstract Submission Information:

Please have the following information readily available when submitting your abstract/proposal:

Primary presenter name, e-mail address, phone number, college/university, academic field
Faculty mentor name, college/university name, and e-mail address
If appropriate, co-presenter(s) name(s) and e-mail address(es)
If appropriate, secondary author(s) name(s) and e-mail address(es)
Presentation type: Poster Presentation, Oral Presentation, Exhibit/Performance
Presentation title
Abstract (between 200-250 words)
Special equipment or space requests

2025 Student Research and Creativity Exposition

The 2025 Annual Student Research and Creativity Exposition took place on Thursday, May 1, 2025 from 11:30 to 6:30pm in the Williams Center. The Annual Student Research and Creativity Exposition (affectionately known as the OSCAR Expo) is an event held each Spring to celebrate the research and creative activity of undergraduate and graduate students from all academic disciplines. Formats for presentations include FREDx talks, oral presentations, poster presentations, a film fest featuring multimedia presentations, literary readings, and short performances and extended performances (e.g., music, theatre).

The 2025 Expo featured over 160 presentations, performances, FREDxTalks, art exhibits, films, and more! This is 55% increase compared to the previous year! All participating students and their mentors should be commended for their excellent work and the positive way in which they represented their programs and majors!

2025 Expo Program

More information about the people, times, and locations can be found in the Expo Program. Click this button:

2024 Student Research and Creativity Exposition

The 2024 OSCAR Expo featured over 100 sessions (oral presentations, performances, and poster presentations), 5 panel discussions, and 1 keynote speech. Pictures featuring the presenters, posters, and attendees are below!

2024 OSCAR Expo Gallery

2023 Student Research and Creativity Exposition

On May 4th, 2023, approximately 100 students (representing 25 different majors) participated in the OSCAR Expo by sharing their posters and presentations regarding their research and creativity. Activities included 15 performances/presentations and 61 posters. Overall, 43 different faculty members were identified as mentors for students' projects (many faculty were identified as mentors for multiple projects).

Across four hours, more than 160 participants visited the researchers/artists at their poster presentations and attended oral presentations and musical performances in the Multipurpose Room and adjacent areas. Presentations were scheduled at specific times to maximize interactions and discussions about the projects and research studies.

Opening remarks were shared by Erin Mroczka (interim director of OSCAR) and Provost David Starrett. In addition, the recipients of the 5th Annual Donald Nasca Undergraduate Student Research Award were announced. The students and their projects are Zainab Ahmed, “Induction of Mitotic Defects via Estrogen-Linked Signaling;” Aiden Carney, “Recruitment of Beginning Band Students: Teachers’ Experience and Use of Technology;” Amanda Roth, “Identification of Bacteria in Drinking Water in Honduras;” and Savannah Steves, “The Archaeology of Climate Change: OSL Dating of Loess Sediments at the McKendry Archaeology Site.” All four students will present the results of their research at the 2024 OSCAR Expo.