Student Research Poster Contest
Co-Chairs:
|
Margaret Kidd, Supply Chain & Logistics Tech, University of Houston |
Dr. Cassia Bomer Galvao, Department of Maritime Business Administration, Texas A&M University |
Topic Areas
The Borders, Trade, and Immigration Institute, a Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence led by the University of Houston, will host the 2026 Port of the Future Student Research Poster Contest. All posters must be submitted prior to midnight on Friday, March 13, 2026. This is an opportunity for undergraduate students and teams to contribute to the research in the port and maritime domains, gain professional recognition and build a network of like-minded colleagues and mentors.
Note: While Ph.D.’s may serve as mentors, they may not submit posters or participate as team members in this competition.
The Symposium Leadership Team invites students to submit posters of their research in one of the following seven topics areas:
- Port Infrastructure 4.0
(includes Artificial Intelligence, automation, digitalization, and information sharing) - Port Development
- Intermodal Connectivity
- Port Energy and Sustainability
- Decarbonization and Alternate Fuels
- Carbon Capture
- Port Security, Cybersecurity, and Emergency Management
While these topics reflect the agenda for the Port of the Future Conference, the contest will consider submissions that focus on other areas of the port ecosystem and maritime domain.
Research Expectations
Posters will depict research done by the student or students, generally with the guidance of a faculty advisor. The research may include interviews, literature reviews, an explanation of emerging technology, policy analysis, or other relevant topics focused on ports and the maritime domain.
Poster Research will, in general, identify a gap or problem area, evaluate possible solutions or way ahead, and outline future actions, policy steps, or research needed for continued advancement.
Evaluation Criteria
The contest judges will evaluate the posters using the following criteria, with each item assigned a score of 1-5:
Poster Format
Poster presentations typically include a mix of text graphics, data, images, and other material to illustrate the area of interest. Visual appeal and creativity in format are important in helping others understand your research.
In addition to the title and research content, your poster should include the name of the author(s), faculty mentor(s), and the name of your college, university, or other institution.
Poster submissions will use the following template:
Please do not alter template header or footer with exception of placing project title, author, faculty advisor and university on designated space within the header. Please do not alter poster scale which is formatted for 40 inches width X 32 inches height. Suggest create a references section with a QR Code to maximize poster space.
To download the Student Research Poster template please click on the button below:
Administrative Procedures and Timeline
- Complete the Student Team Registration form.
- Students must submit their posters (by emailing the filled-in poster template at the link below) prior to midnight on Friday, March 13, 2026.
- Students will identify themselves as undergraduate or graduate students. Submissions may be individual or collaborative.
- As part of their submission, students will include a list of references used in their research
Student Team Registration Form
Submit your completed Poster Here
Presentation of Posters
- The Chairperson of the Student Research Poster Contest will display all poster submissions on the Port of the Future website by Friday, March 27, 2026.
- Student authors will display their posters in the Conrad Hilton Ballroom of the Hilton University Houston during the Port of the Future Conference.
Questions about the Student Research Poster Contest?
Please contact:
pof-posters@uh.edu