SSD Keynote Lecture and Reception

The Neurodiversity Revolution: Tapping the Human Diversity of the Mind to Accelerate Scientific Discovery

Keivan G. Stassun, PH.D. Stevenson Professor of Astrophysics, Director, Frist Center for Autism & Innovation, Vanderbilt University 

Stassun holds the Stevenson chair in Astrophysics, and holds secondary appointments in Computer Science and in Management, at Vanderbilt University, where he has received an NSF CAREER award, a Cottrell Scholar award from the Research Corporation for Science Advancement, an HHMI Professor award from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and a Ford Foundation Fellowship from the National Academy of Sciences. In 2023, Stassun was appointed to a six-year term on the National Science Board, in 2024 was named a MacArthur Fellow, and in 2025 received the National Medal of Science.

• DATE: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
• TIME: 4-5:30 PM
• LOCATION: 2204 Kirkhof Center, Pere Marquette Room, Valley campus

Your Research, Your Future: Employer Panel and Networking Breakfast

The Employer Panel and Networking Breakfast is a special event within Student Scholars Day that connects students with employers who actively seek candidates with undergraduate research experience. The panel will highlight local employers committed to hiring students engaged in research and offer valuable insights into how research skills translate to key workplace competencies. Additionally, the event provides a unique opportunity for students to network with potential employers while hearing inspiring success stories from former students who have successfully transitioned from research to professional roles in the community.

• DATE: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
• TIME: 9-10 AM
• LOCATION: 2204 Kirkhof Center, Pere Marquette Room, GVSU Allendale campus

Sponsored by Career Services

SSD Presentations and Exhibits

SSD Presentations from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Mini-Zine located on the 1st floor of the Mary Idema Pew Library
• Extended Sessions and Sessions located in the Russel H. Kirkhof Center
• Oral Presentations located in the Russel H. Kirkhof Center
• Poster Presentations are located in the Henry Hall Atrium and the Grand River Room in the Russel H. Kirkhof Center

Virtual Climate Change Student Symposium from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

The 5th Annual Virtual Climate Change Student Symposium (VCCSS) is an extended virtual session showcasing student research and creative activities focusing on climate change, its causes, impacts, science/policy interface, and mitigation and adaptation solutions. VCCSS is a multi-disciplinary synchronous online event hosted on GVSU Zoom Webinar platform. It is a joint ongoing initiative of the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship and GVSU Climate Change Education Solutions Network.

Throughout the Month of April, 2026, SSD Art Exhibit

SSD Art Exhibition
Artist Reception: Thursday, April 9 at 5:00 p.m., Calder Art Center

During the 2026 Student Scholars Day event, the Department of Visual and Media Arts will curate exhibits that highlight the high standards of student scholarship in the department. Showcased in the atrium gallery of the Calder Art Center will be exceptional drawing work from a variety of classes. The exhibit will be on display throughout the month of April.

Promotional Materials Request

We can help you get the word out to your students! We would be happy to send you flyers, pluggers, and/or a Power Point file so that you can promote SSD to your student.

Submit your request online.