Research Symposium Event

At the end of the academic year, students in the ecological field research program present their research at the resesearch poster symposium event at the Costa Mesa Water Education Center. At this event, each group sets up and stands by their poster to explain their research topic, methods, results, and conclusion to attendees. Among the attendees are judges chosen by ICRE to determine which groups created the most cohesive posters and presented their research effectively. The top three groups are then recognized for their outstanding achievement by receiving a certificate at the poster presentation award ceremony.

This event is a great way for students to showcase the knowledge they learn during the program about their topic. It is also a great opportunity for them to develop their public speaking skills and get a glimpse into what a research symposium is like.

Pictured below are the 2026 research symposium award winners!

image of students posing with first place certificates for the poster presentation

1st Place Team for the Poster Presentation

 
 
first place team’s poster on “Mycorrhizal Fungi: Uncovering the Underground Network”

1st Place Team’s Poster on “Mycorrhizal Fungi: Uncovering the Underground Network”

students posing with certificates for their second place standing for the poster presentation

2nd Place Team for the Poster Presentation

 
 
second place team’s poster on “Settling Plate: Inlet vs. Outlet”

2nd Place Team’s Poster on “Settling Plate: Inlet vs. Outlet”

third place team’s poster on “Black Mustard Effects on Native Plant Growth in Fairview Park”

3rd Place Team’s Poster on “Black Mustard Effects on Native Plant Growth in Fairview Park”

image shows student presenting their poster to another student
image of person presenting
image of student posters and laptops on table
image of two students displaying their poster
image of the group of students presenting at research symposium
image of person looking through microscope
image of student presenting poster
image of students presenting their poster
image of student setting up their poster

Thank you to our sponsors for providing us with the support and space to hold this research symposium!