Statewide Student Research Symposium

AZSGC Statewide Student Research Symposium

April 17-18, 2026

Tempe & Scottsdale, AZ

Overview

The annual Arizona NASA Space Grant Consortium (AZSGC) Student Research Symposium is a statewide event that includes student presentations from The University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and AZSGC community colleges and high schools. The Symposium consists of presentations on a variety of topics based on research completed by Space Grant interns, scholars and ASCEND teams during the current academic year.

To present at the Symposium, students must submit abstracts, posters (if applicable), and PowerPoint presentations no later than the applicable dates listed below. Students attending the Symposium should communicate with their respective school's program office to learn about travel and lodging arrangements.

Symposium Dates

Click on the links below to submit abstracts and presentations on or before the due date listed. Review these resources for creating documents and presenting at this event. *All deadlines are at 11:59 PM Arizona time unless otherwise noted.

March 20, 2026Student Abstracts & RSVPs
March 20, 2026Mentor & Management RSVPs
April 3, 2026Intern PowerPoint Presentations
April 3, 2026Spring 2026 AZSGC Graduating Seniors Degree Completion Form
April 10, 2026ASCEND Team Poster Presentations and (if applicable) PowerPoint presentations
April 17, 2026Keynote Speaker, Graduating Senior Award Ceremony and Networking Reception
April 18, 2026AZSGC Statewide Symposium!

Friday, April 17, 2026

Event Details

6:00-6:30pm: Arrival, check-in to receive your name badge

6:30-7:30pm: Keynote speaker, Q&A

7:30-8:00pm: Graduating Senior Award Ceremony

8:00-9:00pm Networking reception

*Attire: Business Casual

Location & Parking

Location: Arizona State University

Building: ASU School of Earth and Space Exploration Building (ISTB4)
781 Terrace Mall
Tempe, AZ 85287

Parking Instructions: Park in the Rural Road Parking Garage, 1100 S. Rural Road. There are three parking entrances/exits; please make sure to use the North entrance for the fastest route to ISTB4.

A parking validation will be provided to attendees upon departing the event.

ISTB4 Building Map

Keynote Speaker, Melissa Sevigny

Melissa Sevigny
Title: Unexpected Doors: From Space Grant to Science Writing
 
Presentation description: On a track to become a research scientist, Melissa Sevigny's education took an unexpected turn when she joined the Space Grant program and got an assignment to interview "old timer" planetary scientists about the Apollo days. It was the start of winding path into a career of science writing, which has taken her from Mars missions to whitewater river rafting in the Grand Canyon to an award-winning book. Join her for a talk about the joys and challenges of walking through unexpected doors. 
 
Bio: Melissa L. Sevigny is a freelance science writer and author of three nonfiction books, most recently the award-winning Brave the Wild River, which was featured in the New York Times and People magazine. Her work focuses on the intersections of science, nature, and history, and has appeared nationally on NPR. She lives in Flagstaff, Arizona. Asteroid 28976 Sevigny is named in her honor. 

Saturday, April 18, 2026

Event Details

Attire: Business Casual

Approx. 8:30am-4:30pm: Student presentations all day. The presentation schedule and abstract booklet will be emailed to RSVPs and posted here around April 10th.

Student presenting at the 2018 Symposium.

Event Location & Parking

Building: SkySong, the ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center

Address: 1365 N. Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, Arizona 85257

Parking Instructions: Parking lots are north of the SkySong building 5 (see map below). Uncovered spots are free.

SkySong Building Map