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It happens every year: The —better known as Research Day—grows bigger, attracting more students presenting more research on more topics.

This year’s 16th annual event, held on April 17, was 30 percent larger than last year’s. Students submitted more than 300 abstracts for consideration. New categories were added, helping swell participation.

“We were more inclusive this year,” said Matthew Wright, Ph.D., associate professor and chair of physics and co-chair of the Research Day committee. “We drew in the , and we added a literature event for senior English majors to read from their capstone projects. We also had a Spanish section where students presented research based on their study abroad in Spain, and student artists placed their work around the event.”

The Research Day expansion also extended to the choice of keynote speaker, the designer and branding expert .

“It is the first time we’ve had a speaker who is not necessarily involved in research,” said Melissa Randazzo, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and a member of the Research Day committee, “and it reflects our move to include creative work.”

In fact, creative work will be officially recognized as an equal partner next year when the event will be renamed the ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Scholarly and Creative Work Conference.

Whatever it is called, the day will almost certainly be bigger and better than ever before.

“The trend is really positive for the University, as it shows how much we are getting students involved in research,” Dr. Randazzo said. “We’re already planning next year, not only adding creative work but moving more into evidence-based practice and hands-on learning.”