Student Research Opportunities
Undergraduate Fall Research Sidewalk Symposium
It's all about chalk art!
Undergraduate researchers from across the campus are invited to showcase their research projects (at any stage in the process) by drawing it on the sidewalk in a 5' x 5' space.
What and Where is the Sidewalk Symposium?
Hosted by the OSU Undergraduate Research Committee, the Sidewalk Symposium is an event where students use colorful chalk to illustrate their research on campus sidewalks in the space north of Edmon Low Library and south of Noble Research Center.
Event Dates and Information
Symposium Date
- September 17, 2026
- Sidewalks north of Edmon Low Library and south of Noble Research Center
- In rainy conditions, an alternative location will be announced.
Schedule
- 9:00 am – 4:00 pm: Students draw their research
- 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Drop by and interact with the student researchers
Audience
Everyone is welcome to come and see what our creative OSU undergraduate researchers have to share. Undergrads who are curious to get involved in research are encouraged to attend and ask questions. Faculty, fellow students, friends and family members of presenters, and community members are welcome to come and engage.
Application Process
We have space for 45 drawings!
To participate, fill out the Application: Fall Research Sidewalk Symposium no later than September 10, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. In order to process applications and schedule details of the symposium, we cannot accept late submissions.
Please note:
~ Participants must be OSU undergraduate students whose research is/was supervised by an OSU faculty member.
~ Students from a single lab may participate as a group. You will need to list all students on the application. (Graduate students can draw, too, as long as the team lead is an undergraduate student.)
You will be asked to provide the following:
- Presenter Information (name, email, Banner ID)
- Co-presenter Information (name, email, Banner ID)
- Faculty mentor Information (name, email, and department affiliation)
- Presentation Information (title and brief description of research project)
- Title: maximum 60 characters including spaces
- Research Project Description: 3-4 sentences describing the main aspects of the research project (no sections; no citations).
Group Participation
Students from a single lab may participate as a group. You will need to list all students on the application. (Graduate students can draw, too, as long as the team lead is an undergraduate student.)
If the student research team will be larger than three students, we ask that you contact us (undergrad-research@okstate.edu ) so that we can work together on the best arrangements for all parties
FAQs
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What happens at the Sidewalk Symposium?
Undergraduate participants draw their research on the sidewalks (between Edmon Low Library and Noble Research Center) while visitors walk around and ask questions.
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Can I still present if my research project isn’t finished?
Yes, projects at any stage (even the beginning) are welcome!
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I’m not a very good artist. Can I still participate?
Yes, all levels of artistic ability are welcome! The goals are to be creative with how you share your research and to have fun.
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Do I need to bring my own materials?
No. We will supply all the materials needed to illustrate your research.
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What happens if it rains the day of Sidewalk Symposium?
In the event of rain, we will move the Sidewalk Symposium indoors at a location TBD and participants will be able to draw their research on paper and engage with visitors.
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How do I cite my presentation on my resume or CV?
We recommend the following format, where your name is in bold, all authors are listed, the first author’s name is written last name first, and the presenting author(s) are designated with an asterisk that is defined at the end of the presentation section.
Smith, Jane*, Andrew Abbott, Barbara Brown. A Walk in the Park: a Photovoice Analysis of Stillwater's Public Parks. (live art exhibit). Student Fall Research Sidewalk Symposium, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK. September 2026.
Note: Your title should be the same as what you submitted on your application to participate so that anyone reviewing your resume or CV can confirm your presentation.
Questions?
If you have any questions about access, please contact undergrad-research@okstate.edu .
Acknowledgment: Note: We utilized some content from North Carolina State University for this webpage.