Call for Proposals:
Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 is the date for the 16th annual Student Research Symposium (SRS ’26) on the campus of Simpson University. The organizing committee invites students from the traditional undergraduate program, the adult degree-completion program, graduate programs, and cooperating area schools to submit proposals for presentations. This event is a treasured tradition at Simpson, one that celebrates academic excellence, public scholarship, and the unique contributions of student voices across disciplines.
Symposium Theme:
This year’s theme is INFLUENCE(R).
Every generation has its influencers. Some are household names. Others are teachers, caregivers, innovators, or storytellers—people whose ideas and presence leave a mark. In today’s digital age, the term influencer brings to mind curated content and social platforms, but the concept goes deeper. Who shapes our behavior, our language, our beliefs? And how do we, in turn, influence others? From the biological to the political, from marketing trends to moral imagination, influence is everywhere.
Students and their sponsoring faculty are invited to creatively explore how influence works within their field of study. Who gets heard? Who gets followed? How is credibility earned—or lost? How does influence move through networks, traditions, algorithms, or art? The theme Influence(r) is meant to be wide-ranging, welcoming both critical reflection and constructive vision. We encourage you to share how your discipline helps us understand the forces that shape us.
Keynote Speaker:
Dr. Alexandria Arrieta is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Digital Media at Biola University whose work explores the intersection of internet culture, popular music, and emerging technologies. Her research focuses on viral short-form video platforms like TikTok, music creators, and the growing influence of generative AI in creative industries.
Dr. Arrieta’s scholarship has been published in leading academic journals, and she brings real-world industry experience through collaborations with organizations such as Warner Music Group and the Latin Recording Academy. In addition to her academic work, she is also a Christian R&B artist, offering a unique perspective that bridges research, creativity, and faith.
Submission Process:
The SRS ’26 committee welcomes presentations in four different formats: individual talk, panel discussion, poster/graphic, or performance/creative. Please see the official symposium website for descriptions of each format as well as proposal instructions and deadlines.
While priority will be given to projects that address in some way the concept of “Influence(r)” into their research question, proposals on any topic will be granted full consideration!
SUBMISSIONS will be open Nov 19, 2025–Feb 11, 2026.
