Research & Creative Inquiry Forum

Every April, the university hosts the Student Research and Creative Inquiry Forum, a celebration of research, scholarship, creativity and excellence. 

Undergraduate and graduate students from all disciplines present their research and creative activities at the university’s annual celebration of student scholarship.

All members of the university community are encouraged to attend. In 2021, the Student Research and Creative Inquiry Forum will be virtual, on the BlackBoard community “Student Research Forum”. The Forum will feature live interactive presentations by the students as well as recorded presentations that allow the visitors to post comments and questions for the presenters.

Live presentations will happen April 19 through April 21, the schedule will be posted on the Forum Community, and most of the recorded presentations will be available until the end of the semester. Students may submit an abstract by April 9, 2021 to give a virtual presentation.

Online Forum Community Information

To join the Forum Community can be done either by following the link above, or by going to TU Blackboard and click on the "Community" tab at the top. In the textbox on the left, under "Organization Search" enter “Student Research Forum” and click Go. Click the drop down arrow next to the organization ID and click "Enroll".

Forum Eligibility Information

We strive to include as diverse an array of presentations as we can gather, so research is broadly defined as any academic activity resulting in a product. Presentations from all departments of the university are accepted and encouraged. This includes research done in pursuit of a class paper; project; or activity; a thesis; or an independent study. 

Forum Application Information

Generally, applications must include an abstract, as this is your opportunity to state your goals and summarize your research, activities and results. You must have a faculty mentor in order to present at the Forum.  Questions regarding the application may be directed to the Office of Undergraduate Research & Creative Inquiry at .

Advice on Completing the Application

  • Look at previous presenter abstracts from your department or college for guidance on how to develop an abstract.
  • In preparing your application, you should be clear and explanatory as the reviewers have only your abstract to determine the nature of your proposed presentation for the Forum.
  • If you are planning to exhibit artwork, it is helpful to include a digital picture with the abstract. Film presenters should both describe the film in the abstract and submit a copy of the film for evaluation. Theatrical performers should include a script, etc.

Virtual Presentation Information

An academic presentation is a summary of your research, scholarly, or creative project in a concise and visually engaging way. It must be academically sound, highlighting the context of your work (through photographs, maps, etc.), your methods, and results (with graphs, charts, photographs, etc.). Each Forum presenter should expect to prepare a 5-7 slide presentation and will have about 10 minutes to present.

Presentation Guidelines

  • The text on the slides should be easily readable. Try to stay practical with standard fonts. Times New Roman, Arial, and Garamond are all legible and readable.
  • A presentation slide is not meant to overwhelm the reader with text. Try to space out your information in a way that is informative, attractive, and useful.
  • Graphics, pictures, and figures should be used whenever possible.
  • Include on the title page the following information: name(s) of student author(s), name of faculty research mentor, and Towson University.

2019 Student Research and Creative Inquiry Forum

In 2019, the Student Research and Creative Inquiry Forum was held on April 17 in the West Village located on the fourth floor of West Village Commons. 

Student Presenters