The workshop attendees will have the opportunity to share their own research through 1) poster presentations and 2) the student & early career mentoring program. 

To be considered for the opportunity, please complete and submit the following form by Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 11:59pm (Eastern). Submitting an application does not guarantee your acceptance to the program; however, we will do our best to accommodate as many applicants as possible. Notifications will be sent out by April 8. The applications will be reviewed at one time (NOT on a rolling basis).

[Submission] To submit a poster application, please click here to fill out the form

We would like to invite you to apply to present your research during poster presentations. We anticipate having space for approximately 12-15 participants. Abstracts can be either identical to the ones submitted to the main CDS conference or completely new. Submitting an application does not guarantee your acceptance, but we will do our best to accommodate all applicants. 

Poster  Abstract:  250-word abstract  (Figures/Tables are optional).

Presentation Formats:

• Poster

  • Schedule:  Poster presenters will present their posters during a 40-minute Poster Presentation session scheduled between 10:40 AM - 11:25 AM. Individual posters will be displayed throughout the workshop.

  • Poster Size: Please follow the CDS guideline for making poster presentations.

  • Set Up: Presenters should set up their posters during the pre-conference registration (Thursday, 4/09, 8:25 AM - 10:30 AM).

  • Coffee Break & Conversation: Mentors will be asked to visit mentee posters to learn about research; coffee and networking for all attendees.

[Submission] To submit a mentor/mentee application, please click here to fill out the form

The Student & Early Career Mentoring Program will take place during the 2026 CDS Pre-Conference on Digital Media & Cognitive Development. This program aims to connect student and post-doc attendees with scholars and professionals who are successfully engaged in research and practice related to digital media and cognitive development. 

Students and early career scholars who would like to participate in the mentor-mentee opportunity will be invited to submit a brief application. Mentors and mentees will be thoughtfully matched based on shared research interests and professional goals.

Matched participants will be connected prior to the conference and encouraged to meet during the pre-conference for an informal conversation about career pathways, research challenges and opportunities, professional development, and networking.

Program Details:

• Requirement: One required meeting during the networking/mentoring session following the pre-conference 

  • We encourage mentors to 

    • attend any presentations their mentees give at the pre-conference, if possible.

    • utilize the poster session & coffee break (10:40 AM - 11:25 AM) for work-in-progress mentoring.

    • make an effort to introduce your mentees to other attendees of the pre-conference.

  • We encourage mentees to 

    • attend any presentations their mentors give at the pre-conference, if possible.

    • [Optional] bring a 1-page handout to share (i.e., a mini poster or a summary of research findings) 

    • utilize the poster session & coffee break (10:40 AM - 11:25 AM).

• Suggestions for mentoring activities:

  • Networking: Mentors can offer professional networking opportunities to mentors by introducing their mentees to other attendees of the pre-conference.

  • Open Discussion & Advice: Mentors can address mentees’ questions and provide guidance and advice. Here is the list of potential conversational topics: