2026 Conference Events
Table of Contents
II. Communication Workshop
III. Graduate and Medical School Panel
IV. Poster Session
VI. Gala Night and Award Ceremony
Keynote Speakers
Photograph: Knowledge at Wharton
Peter Cappelli, DPhil
George W. Taylor Professor of Management
Photograph: American Association of Neuropathologists
Edward B. Lee, MD, PhD
Professor of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Communication Workshop Speakers
Photograph: Knowledge at Wharton
Leandro S. Pongeluppe, PhD
Assistant Professor of Management
Photograph: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Cornelius Y. Taabazuing, PhD
Presidential Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics
Graduate and Medical School Panels
Special thanks to the following departments, graduate groups, and programs that have agreed to participate in the graduate school panels…
Will most likely be divided into STEM and social sciences/humanities panels. More to come soon!
Wharton Doctoral Programs
PhD Programs
Graduate School of Education
Graduate programs
Poster Sessions
Our poster sessions offer students a chance to present their research to other researchers across different disciplines. Students can use this opportunity to practice communicating across displines as well as to the invited guests which include Penn undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty members.
All posters must be sized at 24” x 36” (either landscape or portrait orientation)
We ask that you follow the poster sizing guidelines as that will be the size of the poster boards we will provide to the attendees. If you cannot meet the sizing requirements, then please bring your own backboard for your poster. All pins and tape to hang up your posters will be provided, as well as a storage room. Poster set ups will occur on Saturday.
Lucid Communication Challenge
Students who are interested in participating in Lucid Challenge must write a 1-page proposal describing the problem in the field, their plans for addressing the issue, and the impact of their research. Chosen participants will deliver a five-minute presentation on their research, judged by distinguished experts from relevant fields. Top three presenters from each field will be honored with awards and recognition.
Your proposals should follow the following format:
Problem: identify a gap in the field.
Plan: describe the proposed approach for addressing the problem.
Impact: describe the impact of your research and why it is important
You will need to include one figure (e.g., outline of experimental workflow, anticipated outcomes). Text is limited to one page (12 point font, single spaced, 1 in margins, Arial or Calibri font), but figure and references can be listed on a separate page.
Lucid Communication Proposals are due at the time of your registration application. If you are accepted for the Lucid Communications Challenge you need to submit your presentation by September 15th.
Dinner and Award Ceremony
On the second day, students will have the opportunity to network with peers during dinnertime. This gathering is designed to foster social connections and collaborative opportunities in an enriching and culturally vibrant setting.
Dress Code: Business Casual or Business Professional