Office of Research and Creative Activity

The WKU Student Scholar Showcase will proudly present 254 graduate and undergraduate research and creative activity projects, including 157 posters/exhibits and 97 oral presentations on Saturday, April 11^th. The conference will highlight a broad range of topics, with student participants from 34 departments, schools, programs, and institutes at Western Kentucky University from all colleges, reflecting the wide spectrum of academic and creative excellence.

Demonstrating WKU's commitment to research excellence and pursuit of Carnegie R2 designation, the Student Scholar Showcase highlights the exceptional scholarly and creative achievements of our students. This event underscores the university's strong research enterprise.

Since 1970, the Student Scholar Showcase has been a key research conference for students to highlight their academic achievements. This year celebrates the 56th edition of this red-towel tradition, featuring a wide range of student projects across multiple presentation formats.

Student projects are mentored by WKU faculty members and are listed within the Showcase Program. View all 254 student abstracts here.

Student presentations will take place on Saturday, April 11 in the Downing Student Union (DSU) according to the following schedule:

• Morning Session I: 9:00 – 10:00 AM
• Morning Session II: 10:15 – 11:15 AM
• Lunch Break (with Big Red & Photo Booth): 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
• Afternoon Session: 12:30 – 1:30 PM

Poster presentations will be held on the first and second floors, while oral presentations and performances will take place in designated rooms on the second and third floors. All presentations are free and open to the public.

The WKU Student Scholar Showcase Council organizes the annual conference. Dr. Jenni Redifer, Associate Provost for Research, serves as Chair of the Showcase Council.

“We are excited for our student researchers and scholars to share their work at the Student Scholar Showcase. The Showcase is a celebration, and we invite all campus and local community members to attend," said Dr. Redifer.

Past participants have credited the Showcase with enhancing their presentation skills, building confidence, and opening doors to further research opportunities, internships, and graduate studies.

Community members, alumni, and prospective students are encouraged to attend and experience the breadth of innovative research and creative work taking place at WKU. The event underscores the university’s commitment to academic excellence and student success.

For more information about the Student Scholar Showcase, including the schedule and program details, visit the official website or email student.showcase@wku.edu.