Invited students can register to present either a Poster Presentation/Visual Display
or a Lightning Talk. See below for more information about each presentation style.
Poster Presentation/Visual Display
This presentation format is for students who will present a poster, or some other
visual aid, which summarizes their research during the morning "Poster/Visual Display
Session." Students may display a poster and/or any of the following presentation
items: models, specimen, prototypes, laptops, screens, etc.
Make sure to note in your registration form all the presentation materials you intend
to bring so that we can provide you with adequate space for your presentation display.
Our poster stands are 4 feet by 4 feet and we will provide you with velcro stickers
to attach your poster to our stands. The standard conference/symposium poster measures
3 feet x 4 feet and can be built in PowerPoint or similar programs.
Presenters must be in attendance for the duration of the 2-hour session. Presenters
should be prepared to give a short (3-5 minute) presentation to visitors.
All posters and display materials must be taken down by 3:00 PM on the day of the
event.
If presenting a poster, make sure to include all presenter(s)’ and co-authors’ names
and email addresses. All funding sources should be acknowledged in an “Acknowledgments”
section on the poster as well.
Lightning Talks
In this presentation format, students will present a short, concise summary of their
summer efforts. In plain, non-technical language, Lightning Talk presenters must
explain: the broader impact of your research, the main question/hypothesis, a brief
description of the methodology, what, if any, data you were able to collect this summer,
and, if applicable, what are your next steps.
Rule #1: You may present a maximum of 3 slides. At minimum, you must present one
title slide with your name, the department in which you conducted the research, project
title, and mentor’s name.
Rule #2: You have exactly 2 minutes to give your presentation. You will be cut off
at the 120 second mark even if you aren’t finished.
Rule #3: You must remain at the Lightning Talks event for the duration (no arriving
late/leaving early).
Due to time constraints, selection for the Lightning Talks will be limited.
Submitting slides:
In order to keep with the fast pace of a Lightning Talk style event, we will not have
time for the presenters to open files on jump-drives, attach laptops, or log into
cloud accounts. Instead, we will compile all the presenters' slides into one continuous
PowerPoint presentation a few days before the event.
In order to have this group slideshow ready in time for the event, you must email
your slides to LSU Discover (lsudiscover@lsu.edu) by Wednesday, July 31st at 9:00 AM. Slides must be in a PowerPoint format so that we can easily combine them
into one slideshow document.
Professionalism:
- Arrive early to your presentation. It may take some time to set up so arrive at least
15-30 minutes early to make sure that you can begin your presentation promptly at
the scheduled time.
- Make sure to be prepared for your presentation several days in advance of the event.
Don’t wait until the last minute to print a poster or prepare materials.
Decorum:
Student presenters are expected to act as representatives of their university/college/research
group. Politely answer questions from visitors, and be courteous to your fellow presenters.
When you are not scheduled to present, make sure to view other student presentations
and ask questions. Should an issue arise, you should contact the event organizers
before the event day (email: lsudiscover@lsu.edu) or by visiting the Check-In Desk
during the event.
Dress Code:
It is advised, but not mandated, that you dress in business casual or business professional
for the event.
There are no overall awards given at SURF. However, each REU, or research cohort,
is welcome to organize their own judging and awards. The winners from these cohorts
can be announced during the closing remarks after the Keynote.
