The 9th Annual Research Days Conference at Governors State University wrapped up after two days of presentations, panels, and poster sessions that brought together students, faculty, and guest speakers from across disciplines. The event showcased a wide range of academic work—but some students said the experience felt less organized than in previous years.
Held April 16–17, the conference featured more than 100 presentations in areas including business, computer science, education, psychology, healthcare, and the humanities. Students presented their research in classroom sessions and poster displays in the university library, creating opportunities to share ideas and engage with projects across campus.
The event opened with a keynote panel, “Exploring the World of Global Learning through Fulbright: Different Opportunities and Applications,” highlighting the impact of the Fulbright Program. The panel included Xin Chen of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Reggie Greenwood of the Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation, and Naira Hovakimyan of University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Moderated by Olu Ijose, the discussion explored global learning through research, teaching, and international collaboration, followed by a Q&A session with attendees.
The conference concluded with a second keynote, “Smart Logistics, Real Impact: Research for the Public Good,” which focused on innovative and sustainable solutions in transportation and supply chain systems.
While the event offered students a platform to present their work and learn from others, some participants said the overall experience was frustrating at times. One student, who asked to remain anonymous, said, “It was all very confusing. We were told to sign in before our presentation, but there was no information on where to sign in.”
The same student also compared this year’s event to previous Research Days. “The Research Days in the past were much nicer. They gave us lanyards and had signs posted everywhere about it. This year it seemed like just an afterthought,” they said. Students who presented their research received a certificate through their email after the research days.
Despite the concerns, Research Days continues to be a key academic event at Governors State, giving students and faculty a chance to share research and connect across disciplines. Student feedback, however, suggests that clearer communication and better organization could improve the experience moving forward.