SoCal REU Poster Symposium 2026

The poster symposium is a showcase of summer research in computing and related areas, performed by undergraduate researchers at several locations across Southern California. The event is an opportunity for students to learn, connect, and build community across all research areas in computing.

Registration

We ask that all visitors register in advance so we can print your name badges ahead of time. Visitors who don’t register in advance will have to stand in line to have their name badges printed.

Date

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Schedule

(Optional) 12:00pm–1:00pm: Presentation about Graduate school, fellowships, and research careers (bring your own lunch)

1:15pm–2:30pm: Keynote talk by Debbie Weiser

2:45pm–3:45pm: Poster session 1

4:00pm–5:00pm: Poster session 2

5pm-late: Social event (location TBD)

Posters

The maximum poster size is 42×48 inches (that’s the size of the boards). We recommend getting as close to the maximum as your printer will allow. Either portrait or landscape orientation is fine.

Keynote

A Scientific Compass: Navigating Your Path with Research as a Guide

Engaging in scientific research offers early-career scientists a powerful toolkit for hands-on exploration, but the path to a fulfilling career is rarely linear. In this keynote address, Dr. Debbie Weiser shares her journey through the unpredictable terrain of scientific discovery—from formative internships at SCEC and the USGS to navigating unexpected adversity abroad. By examining both the triumphs and the detours of her own career, Dr. Weiser will illustrate how distinct research environments help clarify professional alignment, why resilience in the face of setbacks breeds growth, and how shifting directions is a natural part of academic evolution. She will emphasize the vital role of science communication, the impact of community outreach, and how early-career researchers can leverage curiosity to carve out their own unique, impactful paths.