Friday, April 17, 2026

McGoldrick Center – 8:00am-10:00am

Abromson Center – 10:00am – 4:00pm

Whether in a classroom, a lab or a studio, innovative research and creative work are the heart of any dynamic university. At the University of Southern Maine, the Thinking Matters symposium reflects student and faculty collaborations across the USM campuses and beyond, which promotes high quality student–faculty research. Thinking Matters is a one-day event that allows students and faculty to share their work with each other, their colleagues, and the general public.

Abstract Submission Form

Abstract Submission Deadline = March 16, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

A: Thinking Matters is designed specifically to showcase student-faculty collaborations and provide a supportive environment for you to share your work. By presenting, you gain valuable experience in public speaking and professional communication, whether through a poster session or an oral presentation. Additionally, you can upload your work to Digital Commons, USM’s open-access repository. This provides you with a permanent, professional link to your research that you can share with potential employers or graduate schools to bolster your resume and e-portfolio.

A: It is a n opportunity to experience exciting new research and scholarship that is taking place by students and faculty at USM.  Network with USM students and faculty involved in research at USM.

  • For Faculty/Staff: It is a prime opportunity to support your students’ academic growth, discover cross-departmental collaborations, and volunteer as an abstract reviewer or session moderator to help guide the next generation of researchers.
  • For Community Members: The symposium is open to the general public, offering a front-row seat to how USM students are tackling real-world challenges—from climate change to public health—that directly impact the Maine community and beyond. It’s a unique space to network with emerging talent and see the practical application of university scholarship.

A: Yes! Scholarship is an ongoing process. Projects that are ongoing or incomplete are welcomed. However, preliminary results of an ongoing project should have substantive content to report out.

A: To apply for the Thinking Matters symposium, students must submit a 2500-character abstract of their research or creative project via the official Google Form by the submission deadline. You should work with a faculty mentor to review your work and choose between an oral presentation or a poster format. After submission, you will receive an email to access a Google Doc where you can view reviewer feedback and make final edits to your proposal.

A: You will receive an email from Thinking Matters indicating whether your abstract has been (1) accepted, (2) accepted with edits, or to (3) revise and resubmit.

A: More formal wear,  blazers, ties, etc. are welcome, but not required. For the most part, the audience and presenters will be in “business casual.”

Time

Session

Location

8:00am-10:00am

Welcome & Keynote

McGoldrick Center Salons (2nd floor)

10:00am-11:30am

Poster Session 1

Abromson Center (lobby & mezzanine)

10:00am-11:30am

Oral Session 1

Abromson Center (breakout rooms)

11:30am-12:15pm

Lunch Break

Abromson Center Lobby

12:15pm-1:45pm

Poster Session 2

Abromson Center (lobby & mezzanine)

12:15pm-1:45pm

Oral Session 2

Abromson Center (breakout rooms)

1:45pm-3:30pm

Poster Session 3

Abromson Center (lobby & mezzanine)

1:45pm-3:30pm

Oral Session 3

Abromson Center (breakout rooms)

2:00pm-4:30pm

GRO Fellows Presentations

Abromson Center (Hannaford Hall)

4:30pm-5:30pm

GRO Fellows Reception

Abromson Center (rooms 109 & 110)

Date

Milestone

Action Required

Dec 10, 2025

Submissions Open

Begin drafting your abstract and

consulting with mentors

Mar 16, 2026

Proposal Deadline

Submit your abstract proposal by 8:00am

Mar 17-27, 2026

Review Period

Faculty review abstracts; students

receive feedback for edits

Apr 6, 2026

Printing Deadline

Email final poster PDFs to

thinkingmatters@maine.edu by 8:00am

Apr 13-16, 2026

Poster Pickup

Collect printed posters at the ORIO Office

(126 Bedford St, Portland)

Apr 17, 2026

Symposium Day!

8:00am-10:00am – McGoldrick Salons

10:00am-4:00pm – Abromson Center

May 1, 2026

Final Archiving

Deadline to upload materials to Digital Commons