What It’s All About
The Fall FRI Seminar Series gives FRI students and mentors the chance to share their research and learn what other FRI researchers are working on, all in a relaxed, supportive setting. Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, this is your opportunity to present your research to a wider audience and gain valuable communication experience. Even if you aren’t presenting, attending as an audience member is a great way to learn more about the FRI program, see the kinds of projects happening across streams, and connect with the broader research community.
How It Works
Each session features short, 8–9 minute talks from FRI students and mentors. Undergraduate researchers will speak to an audience of fellow FRI participants and other students/faculty from a variety of research disciplines! It’s a great chance to connect across disciplines and explore new perspectives.
Why Participate?
- Build your confidence presenting research in a friendly, low-pressure environment.
- Practice explaining complex ideas to a knowledgeable but non-specialist audience.
- Receive constructive feedback from faculty and peers.
- Expand your FRI network and connect with students and mentors across streams.
- Develop essential 21st-century skills, for example, creating figures, refining your talk, and handling audience questions.
- Discover the breadth of science happening within FRI!
Explore Undergraduate Research in FRI
Participate as an Audience Member: Be Inspired by Your Peers!
Presenter Information
Develop your Presentation
Prepare an 8–9 minute talk aimed at a general scientific audience. Most attendees will be familiar with core scientific concepts but not your specific field. Focus on clarity, explain the why behind your project, your approach, and what you’ve discovered so far.
Think of this as practice for future conferences or poster sessions, it’s your chance to refine your communication skills in a friendly, low-pressure setting!
Get Approval From Your RE
Since you’ll be sharing parts of your FRI stream’s data, you must get approval from your Research Educator (RE) before presenting.
Some projects include findings that cannot be publicly shared yet. Your RE will help you identify what’s okay to present and guide you in framing your talk appropriately!
Sign Up & Scheduling
The sign up form is now closed for 2025. The form will open again in September 2026!
To present in the series, sign up using the online form by early October. Presenters will receive a follow-up email by second week of October with their assigned session time. Talks will be scheduled during the final two weeks of October, grouped by available times and mixed across different FRI streams.
On Presentation Day
Expect a welcoming and curious atmosphere. About 90% of the audience will be other FRI students and mentors, so questions will focus on learning rather than critique. Sessions typically include 5–6 speakers, each followed by short Q&A time. Bring your slides ready to go, practice a crisp 9-minute delivery, and enjoy the opportunity to share your story and hear from your peers.
Even if you aren’t presenting, you’re invited to attend any or all sessions, a great way to learn about the FRI experience and get inspired for future research work.
Questions?
Reach out to Dr. Dennis Mishler at dennis.mishler@utexas.edu.
Please include “FRI Seminar Series” in your email subject.