2026 MIDWEST GRADUATE RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM
This year's symposium theme is Authenticity and Integrity: an exploration of how artificial intelligence is prompting change across various areas of higher education and how institutions can strategically navigate this transformation while continuing to center the values and human connection that define our work.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Memorial Field House
The University of Toledo Main Campus
Presenting at and attending the MGRS is free for all graduate and professional students.
What is the Midwest Graduate Research Symposium (MGRS)?
The MGRS is an annual graduate and professional student work showcase hosted by The University of Toledo Graduate Student Association.
This is a multidisciplinary program that provides graduate and professional students the opportunity to further develop their research communication skills by explaining their work to audiences outside of their field.
How Does the MGRS Work?
The 2026 MGRS will have four session types: Main Stage, Seminar, Lightning Talks, and Poster.
Main Stage
The Main Stage session will include our keynote program, lunchtime professional development sessions, and acknowledgements!
Seminar
Our seminar sessions will include 10-minute talks from graduate & professional students from a variety of disciplines.
Lightning Talks
Lightning talks will include 5-minute talks from graduate & professional students from a variety of disciplines.
Poster
The poster session will include all presenters who will be sharing a display of their research/field work with us.
Parking and Arrival
Below you will find helpful parking and arrival directions.
Parking
Click here for our Main Campus map! We recommend parking in Area 13. Accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please note that parking permits are enforced and if you do not have a UToledo parking pass, you must purchase a day permit from ParkUToledo. Day permits are $6.20.
Visit the Parking Portal to Purchase a Day Permit Here
Arrival
Please arrive through the east entrance of Memorial Field House (facing Centennial Mall), map below. We will have registration tables for presenters, judges, volunteers, and attendees to check in and receive their materials.
2026 Schedule at a Glance
Below you will learn what to expect during the 2026 symposium! Our official schedule is now confirmed and below:
Registration & Light Breakfast
8 - 9 AM
Memorial Field House Lobby & Atrium
During this time, presenters and attendees will check in, mount posters, and network prior to the opening remarks and keynote program.
Opening Remarks & Keynote Program
9 - 10:35 AM
Memorial Field House Room 2100 (Second Floor)
Our GSA President will welcome everyone to the symposium and introduce our Senior Vice Provost for Academic & Graduate Affairs who will provide opening remarks.
This will be followed by our keynote conversation.
Following the keynote, our GSA Advisor will provide an overview of the day.
AM Seminar Presentations
10:45 AM - 12 PM
Memorial Field House Second Floor
AM Lightning Talk Presentations
10:45 AM - 12 PM
Memorial Field House Second Floor
Lunchtime Professional Development Session
12 - 1 PM
Memorial Field House 2100
Join in for an informative panel discussion on the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) hosted by The University of Toledo College of Graduate Studies!
PM Poster Presentations
1 - 2:30 PM
Memorial Field House Atrium
Posters from a variety of disciplines will be showcased in the Memorial Field House atrium. Students will present their work in just 5 minutes or less to audiences of all fields!
Networking Reception
2:30 - 3 PM
Memorial Field House Second Floor
As posters conclude and scores are tabulated, we invite you to join us on the second floor for a light reception to network!
Awards Ceremony
3 - 3:30 PM
Memorial Field House Room 2100
We'll be ending the day celebrating our winners and everyone who made the 2026 MGRS possible!
Keynote Program
The rise of generative artificial intelligence tools has accelerated AI’s transformation of the higher education landscape. The panel brings together leaders with academic and professional backgrounds spanning AI, library and information science, career development, and and research administration to discuss how AI has impacted their areas and how they are navigating emerging opportunities and challenges while advancing The University of Toledo’s mission to improve the human condition.
Our Keynote Panel
William McCreary, Ph.D.
Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Chief Technology Officer
The University of Toledo
F. Scott Hall, Ph.D.
Professor of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics
Associate Vice President for Research
The University of Toledo
Shelly Drouillard, M.A., LPC
Director, Rocket Career Center
The University of Toledo
Gerald Natal, MLIS, AHIP
Associate Professor, Health and Human Services Librarian
The University of Toledo
Our Keynote Moderator
Teresa "Teri" Green
Director, Graduate Academic & Student Affairs
The University of Toledo
How Can I Get Involved?
Be a Day-Of Volunteer for the MGRS
Calling all UToledo students, graduate or undergraduate! The GSA is seeking day-of volunteers for the MGRS. Here are the different ways you can volunteer:
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- Session moderators and timekeepers: Do you enjoy public speaking or want to develop your skills? Introduce our presenters and keep time of seminar presentations! Bonus - you'll get to hear about the amazing research happening in the Midwest.
- Judge & evaluation support: Data entry enthusiasts! Collect judging sheets and tabulate scores.
- Registration: Check presenters, judges, and attendees in at the registration desk!
- Greeting and floating: Friendly faces that direct attendees, presenters, and judges. If you're a people person, this role is for you!
- Got an idea for a volunteer position? Let us know! We welcome students to share their talents with the GSA.
Sign Up to Be an MGRS Volunteer Here
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend this symposium?
This symposium is open to the public!
Who can I contact if I have questions on accessibility or accessibility needs?
Please contact the College of Graduate Studies at GradSuccess@utoledo.edu.
Can I present or attend remotely?
No, we are not offering any remote participation or viewing options this year.
Will there be photography or recording during the symposium?
Yes, the organizers and attendees will be taking pictures and may record presentations.
Contact Us
Have questions? Let us know!
MGRS Planning Committee
Graduate Student Association
Email: GSA@utoledo.edu
Yasmeen Hamdah, M.Ed.
Program Manager, Graduate Student Success & GSA Staff Advisor
College of Graduate Studies
Phone: 419.530.2633
Email: Yasmeen.Hamdah@utoledo.edu