From abstract to presentation: Partnering with the Writing Center for the Student Research Symposium
The annual NEOMED Student Research Symposium will take place on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. This event is a cornerstone of our campus culture, giving students the chance to showcase their scholarly work, whether through posters or oral presentations, and to receive valuable feedback from faculty and peers.
The path to the Symposium begins months before students step into the atrium with their posters. The Writing Center is here to collaborate at every stage of that journey, helping transform research into polished, professional communication.
Why the Symposium Matters
The Symposium is more than a showcase, it is a learning experience. By presenting research, students practice communicating complex ideas clearly, concisely and persuasively. Faculty and attendees play an important role by offering feedback, posing questions and inspiring future directions. Together, this exchange strengthens our culture of research and collaboration across the University.
Projects represented at the Symposium are wide ranging. They include quantitative, qualitative, theoretical, clinical, basic science, quality improvement, systematic reviews, literature reviews, community service–based research and more. Whether you are a first-time presenter or have shared research before, the Writing Center is ready to partner with you. Together, we can make sure your research not only meets submission requirements but also makes a memorable impact on the NEOMED community.
Step 1: Abstracts (Deadline: Sept. 15)
The first step is submitting an abstract, due Monday, Sept. 15 at 11:59 p.m. through the NEOMED Abstract Submission Form.
At this stage, the Writing Center can:
- Review and revise drafts for clarity, concision and flow
- Ensure the abstract aligns with NEOMED’s guidelines
- Help students avoid common mistakes that could require resubmission
Scheduling a Writing Center appointment, or submitting a draft of the abstract to the Writing Center Workflow, before Sept. 15 ensures time to refine the abstract in collaboration with faculty mentors.
Step 2: Posters
After abstracts are accepted, attention turns to poster design. A well-crafted poster balances text and visuals, draws the eye to key findings, and invites meaningful conversation.
The Writing Center supports students by:
- Guiding organization and readability of posters
- Reviewing text for tone, clarity and concision
- Offering feedback on layout and visual flow
Step 3: Oral Presentations
For students giving an oral presentation, preparation extends beyond the slides. Delivery, pacing, confidence and audience connection are key.
In this stage, the Writing Center can:
- Help with scripting and slide language
- Conduct practice sessions for timing and delivery
- Offer strategies for handling audience questions with confidence
Looking Ahead
Strong research communication ensures that innovative projects make an impact beyond the lab or classroom. Faculty mentors guide students through the research itself, while the Writing Center helps shape that work into compelling communication. Together, we can make sure the Symposium is not only a celebration of research but also a showcase of professional communication at its best.
We encourage students to reach out early for support, especially with the Sept. 15 abstract deadline approaching, and for faculty to recommend Writing Center consultations as part of the research mentorship process
Email The Writing Center writingcenter@neomed.edu with any questions.