Scholarly Innovation Summit

Welcome to the event page!


The ORSP Scholarly Innovation Summit is a professional development event tailored to the needs of faculty, staff, administrators, students, and researchers.

Our carefully curated program includes software workshops, collaboration strategies with external partners, grant funding improvements, a research fair showcasing campus scholarship, and much more

Explore the full schedule for last year's Summit and FAQs below to learn more about this enriching experience. If you missed out on last year's event, stay tuned for information about this year's Summit!

Summit 2023


General Information


  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
    • Is the Scholarly Innovation Summit open to all participants or is it limited to specific groups? 
      The Scholarly Innovation Summit is open to all participants, including faculty, staff, administrators, students, and researchers at SHSU. If you are an external partner interested in attending and have not already been contacted, please email funding@shsu.edu.

    • Do I need to register for the event? Is there any cost? 
      No, registration is not required and it is completely free to attend. (Honors students receiving an engagement point will be verified at the session.) 

    • Will I receive a certificate of participation or professional development credit for attending the sessions? 
      If you would like to receive Talent Management professional development credit for your attendance, sign-in sheets will be provided at each session and credit will be awarded following the event. If you would like a certificate of participation, please email funding@shsu.edu 

    • I’m an external partner - where should I plan to park? 
      You will have provided on-campus LSC Garage parking and simply ask that you register the vehicle you will be parking by emailing funding@shsu.edu for the short, online form. 

    • Can I attend specific sessions/workshops or do I need to participate in the entire summit? 
      Participants have the flexibility to choose the sessions and workshops they want to attend. You can customize your schedule based on your interests and availability. 

    • Will there be opportunities for networking and collaboration with other attendees? 
      Absolutely! The Scholarly Innovation Summit provides ample opportunities for networking and collaboration. You will have the chance to connect with fellow attendees, share ideas, and explore potential partnerships throughout the event. 

    • Will the summit sessions be recorded or available for access after the event? 
      While the summit sessions will not be recorded, we encourage attendees to take notes and engage actively in the discussions. However, presentation materials and resources shared by the speakers may be made available for access after the event. 

    • Can I propose a session or workshop for a future Scholarly Innovation Summit? 
      Absolutely! Please email funding@shsu.edu with your idea! 

    • How can I stay updated on any changes or announcements regarding the summit? 
      We will keep this website updated and will communicate reminders and important information in our monthly newsletter. If you do not receive our newsletter, you may sign up here. 

    • Will meals or refreshments be provided during the summit? 
      Light refreshments will be provided throughout the event. 

    Don't see your question on here? Contact us at funding@shsu.edu.

  • 2023 Event Program

    Click here to view the 2023 Summit Program. Feel free to contact our team for questions or more information on any of the sessions.



Day 1 (September 26, 2023)


  • 8:00-9:00 AM - Bridging Barriers Between Industry and Academia

    This session is intended for Faculty, External Partners, and Graduate Students.

    Description

    In today’s fast-changing economy, bridging the industry-academia gap is crucial. We’re hosting a session uniting researchers, industry experts, and stakeholders for collaboration and knowledge exchange. Expect practical insights, real-world examples, and networking opportunities to foster innovation and economic growth. Join us to connect, share, and explore collaboration prospects.

    LocationLowman Student Center, Room 241

    FormatExpert Panel

    Presenters:

    • Bob Milner, Director of Entrepreneurship, College of Business Administration
    • Kyle Scott, Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship, College of Business Administration
    • Sanjiv Lalwani, Director of Business Development, Lynntech Inc.
    • John Hall, President and CEO of Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC)

    Click HERE to access the session presentation.

  • 8:00-9:00 AM - The Administrative Professional and Award Management

    This session is intended for Administrators, Chairs, and Deans.

    Description

    This workshop equips administrative professionals with tools to navigate the grant award process, covering pre- to post-award management. Real-world examples and exercises enable them to assist principal investigators effectively. Topics include grant timeline management, expense monitoring, reporting, and grant management software. Attendees gain confidence in handling grant administration, supporting research project success.

    Location: Lowman Student Center, Room 230

    Format: Presentation and Q&A

    Presenters:

    • Susan Hurley, Research Administration Manager, Office of Research Administration
    • Candace Prater, Assistant to Vice President for Research and Strategic Partnerships, Office Research and Sponsored Programs 

    Click HERE to access the session presentation.

  • 9:00-11:00AM - Cup of JoeY - Networking Coffee Happy Hour

    This session is intended for everyone: Faculty, Students, External Partners, Administration, and Staff.

    Description

    Cup of JoeY is a coffee Happy Hour for Innovative Ideas. What is the difference between a cup of joe and a Cup of Joe-Y? It is the WHY. It's not what you do - it is why you do it! Join us for an engaging networking event designed to foster connections between our esteemed external partners and the talented members of our university community. This event serves as a platform for meaningful exchanges, knowledge sharing, and potential collaborations and seeks to bridge the gap between academia and industry, forging alliances that drive innovation, research, and mutual growth.

    LocationLowman Student Center, Room 242

    Format: Come and Go Networking Social

    Learn more about Cup of JoeY

  • 11:00-12:00PM - Innovation Pitch Competition

    This session is intended for Faculty, External Partners, and Students.

    Description

    Universities provide a unique opportunity to integrate innovative discovery with entrepreneurship and bring about social and economic change. To catalyze the transformation from discovery-based research to market-solution and impact at Sam Houston State University, the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) and Center for Innovation Technology and Entrepreneurship (CITE) present the inaugural SHSU-Innovation Pitch Competition to be held during the 2023 Scholarly Innovation Summit. This pitch competition will bridge the gap between academia and the marketplace by providing faculty members with a platform to pitch their innovations, technologies, or discoveries with the potential for commercialization. This competition aims to accelerate the translation of SHSU research into real-world solutions.

    Location: Lowman Student Center, Room 241

    Format: Pitch Competition

    Pitch Finalists:

    • Hosam Abdelhady, College of Osteopathic Medicine 
    • ABM Rezbual Islam, College of Science and Engineering Technology
    • Qingzhong Liu, College of Science and Engineering Technology 
    • Kevin Lord, College of Osteopathic Medicine 
    • Junkun Ma, College of Science and Engineering Technology 

    Click HERE to access the session presentation.

    Pitch Winners:

    • 1st Place: ABM Rezbual Islam, The Thin Line: App Insights & Machine Learning's Fight Against Opioid Overuse
    • 2nd Place: Kevin Lord, Haptitude, an Evolution in Psychomotor Training

    Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in our inaugural pitch competition. We would like to thank our judges, pitch coaches, finalists, and attendees for all your support!

  • 12:00-1:00PM - Attendee Break

    Take the time to grab lunch, relax, or stretch your legs. The sessions will resume at 1:00PM!

  • 1:00-2:00PM - Undergraduate Research Student Panel

    This session is intended for Undergraduate Students and Faculty.


    Description

    Participate in a captivating panel discussion featuring accomplished undergraduate researchers from various disciplines across campus. Gain insights into SHSU's vibrant research ecosystem as these students share their personal journeys, valuable experiences, and insightful advice on how fellow students can actively engage. The panelists will engage in dynamic conversations, addressing both student-submitted inquiries and live questions from the audience. Discover how you can become a part of this enriching research community and unlock the possibilities it offers.

    Location: Lowman Student Center, Room 230

    Format: Panel Discussion

    Student Panelists:

    • Addison Kanke, FAST Awardee, Psychopharmacology 
    • Felicia Padilla, FAST Awardee, Cognition & Psychopharmacology 
    • Nate Rodriguez, ORSP Student Leader, Cognition 
    • Crystal Brown, FAST Awardee, Kinesiology 
    • Ethan Perez, FAST Awardee, Kinesiology 
    • Juston Ward, Astronomy and Physics

    Click HERE to access the session presentation.

  • 2:00-4:00PM - Scholarly Innovation Research Fair

    This session is intended for everyone: Faculty, Students, External Partners, Administration, and Staff.


    Description

    Want to explore the latest research projects and cutting-edge technologies at SHSU? Don’t miss the Scholarly Innovation Research Fair! This exciting event will showcase a range of multidisciplinary research projects, equipment, and innovations developed by our talented faculty, students, and external partners. In addition to networking with potential collaborators and learning about current research endeavors, attendees can also participate in hands-on demonstrations of the latest equipment and technologies used to support research. This interactive experience provides a unique opportunity to learn about the tools and techniques being used in various fields, and to explore how they can be applied to your own research interests. Whether you’re a researcher looking to connect with others in your field or simply interested in learning about the latest advancements in research, the Scholarly Innovation Research Fair is a must-attend event. Come see what our research community has to offer and discover how you can be a part of shaping the future of our research enterprise!

    Location: Lowman Student Center, Orange Ballroom

    Format: Come and Go Research Fair

  • 4:00-5:00PM - Navigating Grant Reviews & Resubmissions

    This session is intended for Faculty.

    Description

    Have you ever wondered what happens with a grant proposal after it’s been submitted? Or the reasons your grant proposal was not funded? Join us in this session, as we dive into the peer review process and the art of navigating through reviews of grant submissions that were not successful The audience will learn from several SHSU faculty members who have served as review on grant review panels from several agencies (NSF, Dept of Ed, USDA, NIJ, NASA) including private foundations. These panelists will provide valuable insight on the review process, allowing for more successful grant submissions. Participants will learn how to analyze reviewer feedback, identify areas for improvement, and implement targeted revisions to maximize your chances of success.

    Location: Lowman Student Center, Room 230

    Format: Expert Panel

    Presenters:

    • Linda Zientek, Professor of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Science and Engineering Technology
    • Karen Douglas, Associate Professor of Sociology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
    • Danhong Chen, Associate Professor of Agricultural Sciences, College of Science and Engineering Technology
    • Autumn Smith-Herron, Director of Innovative & Collaborative Programs and Centers, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs

    Click HERE to access the session presentation.

  • 4:00-5:00PM - Centering Servingness in Research Development

    This session is intended for Faculty and Administration.

    Description

    This presentation will highlight the promotion of best practices in research activities for all faculty and staff.

    Location: Lowman Student Center, Room 241

    Format: Presentation and Q&A

    Presenters:

    • Jeanine Bias, Chief Experience Officer, SHSU Experience Office
    • Jalon Berry, Assistant Director, SHSU Experience Office

    Click HERE to access the session presentation.



Day 2 (September 27, 2023)


  • 8:00-9:00AM - Where to Start: Building Your Research Program

    This session is intended for Faculty.

    Description

    Where to start? This session will explore strategies for identifying research goals, developing research questions, and designing research projects that align with faculty’s research interests and expertise. We will also cover best practices for building a successful research program, including developing a research agenda, securing funding, collaborating with colleagues, and disseminating research findings. By the end of the session, participants will have a better understanding of the steps involved in building a successful research program and will have developed a roadmap for moving their research programs forward.

    Location: Lowman Student Center, Room 241

    Format: Presentation and Q&A

    PresenterChad Hargrave, Vice President for Research and Strategic Partnerships & Chief Research Officer, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs 

    Click HERE to access the session presentation.

  • 9:00-10:00AM - The ABCs of Grant Management: Award, Budget, Compliance

    This session is intended for Faculty and Administrators.

    Description

    This workshop is designed to provide researchers with practical knowledge on managing and planning for the spending of research grants. Participants will learn what to expect during the award setup and management process, including compliance requirements and reporting responsibilities. They will also gain valuable insights into effective spending strategies and budgeting techniques to ensure that their grant funds are used efficiently and effectively.

    Location: Lowman Student Center, Room 230

    FormatPresentation and Q&A

    Presenters:

    • Susan Hurley, Director of Office of Research Administration
    • Maribeth Start, Grant Accountant III, Office of Research Administration
    • Jill Myers, Grant Accountant III, Office of Research Administration
    • Violeta Covarrubias, Grant Accountant II, Office of Research Administration
    • Lucinda Burkett, Grant Accountant II, Office of Research Administration
    • Samantha Davis, Administrative Associate, Office of Research Administration

    Click HERE to access this session presentation.

  • 10:00-12:00PM - Research Think Tank

    This session is intended for Faculty.

    Description

    This think tank is the first of many collaborative gatherings of faculty researchers who are interested in exploring and discussing research themes relevant to their fields of study. The workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to share their ideas and expertise, and to engage in open and constructive dialogue with one another. Through a series of interactive prompts revolving around cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing processes, and supply chain/ management projects, participants will identify key research themes, generate research questions, and develop potential research projects. By the end of the think tank, participants will have a clearer understanding of the current state of research in these fields, and will have made progress towards developing new research directions and collaborations.

    Note: Limited seating is available for this session. If you are interested in attending, please contact Brian Loft (loft@shsu.edu).

    Location: Lowman Student Center, Room 242

    Format: Think Tank

  • 11:00-12:00PM - Knowledge Quest: Research Edition

    This session is intended for Undergraduate Students.

    Description

    Introducing Knowledge Quest—an immersive research game seamlessly blending elements from the renowned game show "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" and the beloved board game "Dungeons and Dragons." Immerse yourself in a medieval-themed adventure, where the ultimate objective is to tackle research-centered inquiries with precision and expertise.

    Location: Lowman Student Center, Room 230

    Format: Interactive session

    Presenters:

    • Center for Enhancing Undergraduate Research Experiences & Creative Activities and the Office of Research & Sponsored Programs

    Click HERE to access the session presentation.

  • 12:00-1:00PM - Attendee Break

    Take the time to grab lunch, relax, or stretch your legs. The sessions will resume at 1:00PM!

  • 1:00-2:00PM - Supporting & Leveraging Students in Research

    This session is intended for Faculty, Undergraduate Students, and Graduate Students.

    Description

    This moderated panel discussion focuses on the valuable role of student researchers, both undergraduate and graduate, in faculty research. It aims to highlight the significance of leveraging student talent and the positive impact it can have on faculty-led research projects. The conference will feature a panel of esteemed faculty members who have excelled as mentors, sharing their experiences, best practices, and insights into effectively engaging and guiding student researchers. Through interactive discussions and case studies, this session will explore the mutual benefits of collaboration between faculty and students, promoting a culture of research excellence and nurturing the next generation of scholars.

    Location: Lowman Student Center, Room 241

    Format: Panel

    Mentor Panelists:

    • Chad Hargrave, Vice President for Research and Strategic Partnerships & Chief Research Officer, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs 
    • Stuti Kokkalera, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, College of Criminal Justice 
    • Craig Henderson, Professor of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
    • Stephen White, Assistant Professor of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
    • Mayrena Hernandez, Assistant Professor in Athletic Training, College of Health Sciences

    Click HERE to access your session presentation.

  • 2:00-3:00PM - Leveraging University Advancement for Private Foundation Funding

    This session is intended for Faculty and Administration.

    Description

    This session is to help you understand the role University Advancement plays in seeking Private Foundation support (more details to come).

    LocationLowman Student Center, Room 230

    FormatPresentation and Q&A

    Presenters:

    • Matthew Bethea, Vice President for University Advancement, University Advancement
    • Nichole Becker, Development Director – Foundations, University Advancement

    Click HERE to access your session presentation.

  • 3:00-4:00PM - R & RStudio Workshop

    This session is intended for Faculty, Undergraduate Students, and Graduate Students.

    Description

    This workshop will provide participants with a hands-on introduction to two powerful software tools for data analysis: R and RStudio. R is a free and open-source programming language widely used for statistical computing and graphics. Participants will learn the basics of R programming, including how to load data and manipulate variables. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a good understanding of the capabilities of both R and RStudio, and will be able to start using these tools in their own research projects. No prior experience with the software is required; however, we ask that you have already watched this introductory video and have installed the program before the session.

    This session will also reference some data files, which you can access below:

    LocationLowman Student Center, Room 230

    Format: Workshop

    Presenter

    • Amber Ulseth, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Engineering Technology

    Click HERE to access the session presentation.

  • 3:00-4:00PM - Nvivo Workshop

    Description

    This workshop will provide participants with a hands-on introduction to Nvivo, a proprietary software used for qualitative data analysis. During the workshop, participants will be introduced to Nvivo and learn how to import and code qualitative data, and how to perform basic analysis using the software. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a good understanding of the capabilities of Nvivo, and will be able to start using this tool in their own research projects. No prior experience with the software is required; however, we ask that you have already watched this introductory video and have installed the program before the program.

    LocationLowman Student Center, Room 241

    Format: Workshop

    Presenters

    • Jason Konefal, Chair & Professor of Sociology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

    Click HERE to access the session presentation.