CURLI Annual Conference 2026

Conference Theme: Communicate Your Science

CURLI 2026 Annual Undergraduate STEM Conference

Consortium for Undergraduate Research on Long Island

📅

April 11, 2026

📍

Sisters of St. Joseph, Brentwood

👥

STEM Undergraduates & Faculty

About the Conference

Join us for the inaugural CURLI conference where undergraduate STEM students from across Long Island and the NYC area come together to share research, develop communication skills, and explore career pathways. Whether you're presenting research or attending to learn, this is your opportunity to connect with peers and faculty across disciplines and institutions.

🎭 Special Improv Workshop

Led by Michael Rock — Limited to 16 students (first-come, first-served). Learn to communicate your science more effectively through improvisation techniques. Indicate your interest during registration!

What to Expect

☕ Lightning Talk Café

Practice your 2-minute elevator pitch in small, relaxed groups. No stage fright — just friendly conversations about your research with peers!

📊 Poster Sessions

Share your research in two alternating sessions, giving you time to present and explore

🌟 Keynote Speaker

Dr. Amalia J. Napoli
Stony Brook University, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior
Talk: The Hammer that Shatters Glass also Forges Steel

💬 Panel Discussion

Explore STEM career pathways and graduate program opportunities

🤝 Networking

Connect with students, faculty, and graduate program representatives

🌟 Featured Keynote Speaker

Dr. Amalia J. Napoli

Talk: "The Hammer that Shatters Glass also Forges Steel: Growth Through Adversity and Resiliency"

Her remarkable journey from aspiring pre-med student to music educator to earning her Ph.D. in neuroscience in her fifties offers inspiring lessons for all students about resilience, following your passion, and the many paths to a scientific career.

Read Her Full Story →

Conference Schedule

9:00 AM Coffee, pastries & networking

9:30 AM Welcome & conference introduction

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Improv Workshop (limited) OR Graduate Program Panel Discussion

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Lunch (pizza, salads, soft drinks)

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM Keynote Talk: "The Hammer that Shatters Glass also Forges Steel - Growth Through Adversity and Resiliency" by Dr. Amalia J. Napoli

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM Student Lightning Talk Café - Share your research in small, relaxed groups

2:30 PM – 3:15 PM Poster Session I

3:15 PM – 4:00 PM Student Lightning Talk Café - Small group presentations continue

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Poster Session II & awards

📝 Registration Information

Conference Date

April 11, 2026

Saturday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Registration Deadline

March 15, 2026

Registration Fee

FREE

Open to all undergraduate STEM students & faculty

Click here to register →

📊 Presenting a Poster?

Submit Your Abstract

Submit poster abstract →

Abstract Deadline

March 27, 2026

What to Include

Title, authors, abstract (250 words max), and prepare a 2-minute lightning talk pitch

Remember

You must also complete the main registration form above!

Who Can Attend?

This conference is open to:

Undergraduate STEM students from all institutions in Long Island and the NYC area
Faculty advisors and mentors
Students presenting research AND students attending to learn (no research presentation required!)
Students from all STEM disciplines across different institutions