Call for College Student Posters

2025 36th Annual Conference & Trade Show Event

 

Event Details

Conference & Trade Show: November 12-14, 2025

Location: The Otesaga Hotel, Cooperstown, NY

Student Poster Showcase: November 14th, 10:15 - 11:15 AM

 

The Invitation: 

We invite undergraduate and graduate students from across New York State to submit an abstract of 300 – 500 words on their research, project, or student-led program (on- or off-campus) related to sustainable materials management (SMM). Posters may be on any topic relating to waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, and other SMM strategies, solutions, or challenges. Poster topics do not need to fall under the following categories to be considered. Emerging topics in SMM that are of interest include: 

  • Deconstruction is the concept of dismantling current waste management practices from demolition and exploring circular economy models for existing building materials. Students will present ideas for repurposing, upcycling, and diverting construction materials from the waste stream, envisioning a future where construction materials are viewed as a valuable resource for new development projects 

  • Plastic free campus is the practice of reducing or eliminating single-use plastics on college campuses. Posters in this category should highlight successful initiatives and strategies that can be implemented across college campuses to reduce plastic usage. By showcasing tangible alternatives to single-use plastics and promoting behavior change, students can inspire their peers to create plastic-free environments.

  • Microplastic alternatives aim to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of microplastics on the environment and human health. Posters in this category should explore viable alternatives to microplastic-containing or -releasing products, contributing to the mitigation of this global concern.

  • Fast fashion alternatives will address the environmental impacts of the fashion industry and identify sustainable alternatives such as second-hand shopping, ethical fashion brands, and conscious consumer choices. Students may also address textile recycling, discussing approaches to reuse or repurpose fabric scraps and worn clothing items. 

  • Recycling confusion or “Wish-cycling” is the practice of placing items in the recycling bin that may appear recyclable, but in reality, are not suitable for recycling. Students will demonstrate educational approaches aimed at raising campus and public awareness about the concept of wish-cycling and their local recycling guidelines.

  • Communication and outreach entails spreading awareness and engaging communities through various channels such as social media, educational campaigns, and community events. Posters in this category will effectively convey messages about waste reduction, recycling, and other sustainable practices to inspire individuals and communities to take action towards a more environmentally responsible future.

  • Social aspects of sustainable materials management will address community engagement and environmental justice considerations to responsibly manage materials throughout their life cycles. Posters in this category should aim to demonstrate how to apply collaborative approaches to engage diverse communities to maximize waste reduction, resource efficiency, and mutually-beneficial outcomes.

The theme for the 2025 NYSAR3 Conference and Trade show is collaboration and engagement. We encourage students to incorporate how their project would support this theme into their posters, but it is not required. 

Students interested in showcasing a poster should submit an abstract of 300 - 500 words by 11:59 PM ET October 17th.  Applicants will be notified by end-October if their abstract has been selected. 

 

SUBMIT AN ABSTRACT

ABSTRACTS DUE:   11:59 PM ET October 17th, 2025

 

 

The Showcase: 

We will be showcasing your research project during our Annual Conference at The Otesaga in Cooperstown, NY.   We've hilited the event on our Agenda, and messages are being populated to be broadcast to our attendees announcing the showcase on Friday, Nov. 14th.  We will be accepting up to 10 abstracts and those selected will be invited to participate in the event to showcase a poster displaying their work.  While posters are on display, on November 14th, students will have the opportunity to stand with their posters to share their work with attendees that day from 10:15 - 11:15AM.  Come prepared to share your research story.  

 

Scholarship: 

If a student's abstract is accepted, they will receive a free registration to the Conference for the day of the Poster Showcase, Friday, November 14th.  However, if a student would like to attend the full conference, they can apply for a College Council conference scholarship through the abstract submission form (see button above). Please note that the scholarship does not include lodging, transportation or dinners. Breakfast, lunch and snacks during breaks are provided with conference attendance.

Visit the NYSAR3 website to learn more about the 2025 Conference and Trade Show including the conference agenda. 

 

Poster Logistics:

If your abstract is accepted, you will have the opportunity to showcase your poster on November 14th:  

  • 7:00 am – 7:30 am Poster set up. 

  • 8:00 am – 9:00 am Conference attendees can look at posters and students can network or attend other meetings taking place. 

  • 10:15 am – 11:15 am Students are expected to stand next to their posters during this time to share their work with Summit attendees and answer any questions. 

  • 11:15 – 11:30 am Poster clean up.  

Posters should be 36”x48”paper with proper backing to support them on an easel.  Posters will be displayed on assigned easels provided at the event.

Posters should include:

  • Title

  • Name of student and any additional authors

  • Description of research/project/student-led program and goals

  • Methods used, if applicable

  • Results

  • Conclusions

  • Future direction of research, project, or student-led program

  • Bibliography, if applicable

  • Acknowledgements

  • College/University logo

 

Please contact CollegeCouncil.NYSAR3@gmail.com with any questions.