FAQ
General Information
What is the Binghamton University BGSO?
The acronym BGSO stands for Biology Graduate Student Organization. At Binghamton University, we are a sub-organization of the larger Graduate Student Organization (GSO). We are composed entirely of graduate students and our objective is to promote the success of biology graduate students by hosting academic and social events throughout the year with the intent of enriching their personal, professional, political and cultural environments.
For more information including the current E-Board Members and our social media handles, please visit: https://www.binghamton.edu/biology/graduate/bgso.html
What is the Annual Biology Symposium?
The Annual Biology Symposium is a continuation of a long-standing tradition in the Binghamton University Biology department extending back decades, with the purpose of encouraging graduate students and faculty to disseminate their research findings and foster presentation skills in the graduate student body. The event is entirely organized by the BGSO and is a two-day long session of presentations in which students and faculty give talks on the research they are pursuing for their graduate career.
How do I submit an abstract for the Symposium?
During the periods in which the Symposium is open for abstract submission, a link will be available on the Home page.
How do I register for the Symposium?
During the periods in which the Symposium is open for registration, a link will be available on the Home page.
How much does registration for the Symposium cost?
Registration for the Symposium is currently free to all participants within Binghamton University and $10 for outside university participants.
Information for Attendees
How will talks be delivered at the Symposium?
All talks will be in person for this year's Symposium. There will be an option to live stream talks for people who are unable to attend.
How do I access talks on the days of the Symposium if I am unable to be there in person?
Live streaming will be available via a link that will be posted on our Home page during the symposium.
Where can I find a list of speakers and talks?
When announced, the full schedule is available on the Schedule page.
Where can I find information about Keynote Speakers and Panelists?
When announced, this information is available on the Keynote Speakers and Career Dev page.
Information for Presenters
My abstract has been accepted for this year's Symposium. Do I still need to register?
Nope! Once your abstract is accepted, simply respond yes or no using the google form in your acceptance email to let us know whether you still plan on attending or not.
How do I know when I will be presenting?
In order to find out your presentation slot you can consult our Schedule, which contains all the information about the order of talks.
What is Best Talk?
The BGSO engages a formal process for evaluating student presentations. Judges selected for the Symposium are academic professionals and graduate students from the Binghamton University Biology Department. Evaluation forms are made available for presenters prior to their presentation to better understand how their presentation will be evaluated.
At the conclusion of the 2022 Biology Symposium, the two Best Oral Presentations and two Best Posters will be announced.
Is there anything else I need to do prior to my presentation besides register?
Yes. To avoid any technical or internet issues, we are requesting that presenters email their presentation to BGSO@binghamton.edu by 5pm on Wednesday, January 12th, 2022. This will allow symposium moderators to present the slides from a BGSO computer if there are any connection issues. This is simply a precaution put in place in case of technical issues. Presentations will NOT be shared and only used if issues arise.
Is there anything I need to know for the day of the event?
Moderators during the session will be keeping time and will indicate “1 Minute Left” and “Times Up”.
Presentation Format Time Restrictions
Oral Presentations: 13 min. + 2 min. for questions
What should I do if I can no longer present at the Symposium?
We're sorry that you are no longer able to present at the Symposium. Please notify us as soon as possible at BGSO@binghamton.edu so that we can alter the Symposium schedule.