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Creating a Research Poster

This is a guide based on one from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University Library

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What to expect at the poster session

>> Dress is business casual - wear comfortable shoes!

>> Arrive early! You'll need time to make sure that your poster is properly mounted.

>> Bring your own push pins and if you are presenting at a professional conference, a black marker and some white out. Even if you didn't make any mistakes on your poster, a fellow colleague may be very grateful!

>> Practice your lightning talk ahead of time and be prepared to answer new questions about your research. Some questions to consider:

  • Why did you choose this particular research question?
  • What did you learn that you did not expect?
  • What is the most interesting aspect that you learned?
  • What would your next steps be if you could continue this research next semester?

>> There will be a lot of people around the posters at any one time - don't focus your attention on only one person. Use your body langauge to invite people to view your poster and ask you questions.

>> Do not leave early! Even if it seems slow, you should stay until the poster session time slot is over.