Presented by the Office of Student Research and Innovation (OSRI) in collaboration with Academic Research and Graduate Studies, CSUSB's Research Week will be held on Wednesday April 8th - Thursday April 16th, 2026. Encompassing a week of activities to celebrate the research and scholarly achievements of faculty and students across campus in all disciplines. We invite everyone to attend and see all the amazing things happening on campus. For individual event day information and times, please see the information below.
Schedule of Events
Wednesday, April 8th, 2026
Grad Slam
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: San Manuel Student Union South (SMSU), Theater
Description: Join the Office of Graduate Studies for our university-wide Grad Slam! Watch as our students present their timely, and provoking graduate work. The catch? They have to do it in three minutes or less to a non-expert audience and a panel of community judges. The winners will be awarded prize money and move on to the CSU-side competition!
Learn more by visiting Graduate Studies' website Grad Slam 2026
For questions, please contact Megan Kinnally at Megan.kinnally@csusb.edu
Tuesday, April 14th, 2026
Mellon Mays Special Keynote Address: Dr. Irene Sanchez
Time: 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Location: CE 105
Title of Talk: Tell Them Where You're From: Researching, Teaching, and Writing Stories From the Inland Empire
Irene Sanchez, Ph.D. is a mama, writer and Ethnic Studies educator who focuses on local histories and current stories of Southern California, specifically the Inland Empire in her teaching and research. Raised in the Jurupa Valley, CA, Dr. Sanchez completed her Associate's Degree at Riverside City College, Bachelor's degree at UC Santa Cruz, and her M.Ed. and Ph.D. at the University of Washington-Seattle. Her writing has been featured on CNN, Huffington Post, Public Radio International and more. Her commentary has been featured by numerous public media outlets. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Ethnic Studies at San Bernardino Valley College and lives with her family in Riverside.
Dr. Sanchez's talk will share her research and teaching methods focused on local Inland Empire stories. This work challenges the concept of "Fantasy Heritage," identifies current community needs, and inspires students to imagine a better future. A key teaching method involves students reimagining citrus crate labels through local issues assignments to discuss critical topics such as segregation, education, environment, health, and labor. By examining local archives and utilizing historical and social science research, Dr. Sanchez engages students in issues directly relevant to their families and communities.
For questions or special accommodations related to this event, please email Osr@csusb.edu
Wednesday, April 15th & 16th, 2026
Defining the Future Conference
Time: 8:00am - 6:30pm
Location: San Manuel Student Union North & South (SMSU)
Description:This dynamic conference brings together leaders from academia, industry, and economic development to accelerate workforce development in emerging technologies. Hosted by CSUSB, the event is designed to build strategic partnerships, expand industry-supported research opportunities for students, and reimagine innovative, future-facing educational models that prepare the next generation of talent. Through collaboration, sponsorship, and engagement with pioneering organizations, “Defining the Future” will showcase cutting-edge technologies, inspire innovation, and strengthen the pipeline between education and industry.
Conference Themes:
- Accelerated Manufacturing & Advanced Materials
- Artificial Intelligence & Data Systems
- Smart Cities & Urban Technology
- Accelerating Workforce Development
- Biotechnology & Health Sciences
- Fusion Energy, Environment & Sustainability
- Aerospace, Defense, Semiconductors & Advanced Autonomous Systems
- Quantum & High-Performance Computing
- Cybersecurity & Resilient Infrastructure
Download event flyer here: Defining the Future Conference Flyer.pdf
STUDENT REGISTRATION IS FREE!
Definingthefuture.orgVisit the website for more info!
For questions, please contact Definingthefuture@csusb.edu
As a part of the Defining the Future Conference, we present
15th Annual "Meeting of the Minds" Student Research Symposium
Time: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Location: San Manuel Student Union North & South (SMSU)
Description: At the "Meeting of the Minds" Student Research Symposium, CSUSB graduate, undergraduate, and alumni students have the opportunity to showcase their research and creative activities (RSCA) through oral, poster, and creative presentations.
This year, Meeting of the Minds is going to be a bit more exciting!
We are hosting this event in coordination with Defining the Future, the nation’s first conference on workforce development and emerging technologies.
While student research is going to be a central part of this event, you will also have the opportunity to hear from regional, national, and international leaders in the emerging tech space!
We would encourage you to register for the conference and submit your applications to present!
Application Deadline: March 17th, 2026
For questions, please contact OSRI at Osr@csusb.edu
TBD
OSRI Recognition and Awards Luncheon
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: Visual Arts Patio
Description: This OSRI Recognition luncheon is held to honor faculty who mentor students and acknowledge the students for their achievements in research and creative activities.
For questions, please contact OSRI at Osr@csusb.edu