Converse Hosts Fifth Annual RISE Symposium
Converse University held the 2026 RISE (Research, Internship, and ArtS Experiential Learning) Symposium from April 13 through April 27, 2026. The 2026 RISE Symposium had a record …
RISE Symposium
Research, Internship, and Arts Experiential Learning Symposium
Converse University’s RISE (Research, Internship, and Arts Experiential Learning) Symposium empowers students to share their ideas, discoveries and artistic work with our campus and local community within a professional setting.
Open to all undergraduates, graduates and Converse II students, the RISE symposium celebrates student scholarly activities and achievements across all areas of study at Converse University – including the arts, music, humanities, education, natural and mathematical sciences, and social and behavioral sciences. Since its founding in 2022, the RISE Symposium has seen participation triple as of 2025.
Thank you to our 2026 RISE Sponsors
“The success of the RISE Symposium is largely a result of the tireless contributions of the Converse faculty and staff, the unwavering support of student families, and the generous participation from our internship partners.”
Former Associate Provost for Research and Engagement Dr. Neval Ertürk
2026 RISE Award Recipients
Research Poster Awards
- Best Research Poster Award – Natural Sciences: Sofia Giraldo-Jimenez ”26 (Nisbet Honors)
- Best Research Poster Award – Humanities: Marie Durflinger ’26 (Nisbet Honors)
- Best Research Poster Award – Social Sciences: Amro Shibeika ’28 & Manuel Roncero Ros ’26
- Best Research Poster Award – Graduate Research: Kaley Kilpatrick ’26
Performing Arts & Writing Awards
- Excellence in Creative Writing: Pedro Landeros-Hernandez ’27
- Excellence in Dance – New Works: Rylie Budnick ’26
- Best Musical Performance: Erin McCallion ’27 (Nisbet Honors)
- Excellence in Original Music: Brandon Edwards ’27
Special Awards
- Excellence in Photography Award: Ashlyn Sasser ’29
- Excellence in Personal Statement: Chelsea Palotta ’26
- Students’ Choice Award: Sofia Giraldo-Jimenez ”26 (Nisbet Honors)
- Dr. Joe Dunn Excellence in Research Award: Bella Moreno ’26
Model League Awards
- Model Programs – 1st Place: Bella Moreno ’26
- Model Programs – 2nd Place: Ninel Martinez-Macedo ’26 & Ainsley Crowe ’27
- Model Programs – 3rd Place: Cameran Huyett ’29 (Nisbet Honors) & AJ Robinson ’27
Internship Awards
- Best Internship Poster Award Art: Tory Blanton-King ’26 (Nisbet Honors)
- Best Internship Poster Award Business: Gabriella Pinheiro ’26
- Best Internship Poster Award Education: Sophia Pollard ’26
- Best Internship Poster Award Non-Profit: Ashleigh Austin ’26
- Internship Supervisor of the Year: Andy Dulku
- Intern with the Greatest Impact on an Organization: Jazmin Harper ’26 , Brown Girls Read
- Intern of the Year: Kilee Bradeen ’26
- Faculty Champion Award: Wynton Stephens, Assistant Professor of Business Administration
RISE in the News
Traditions & Fellowship: Converse May Day 2025
Following the success of our inaugural May Day weekend last year, Converse once again welcomed students, their families & friends, faculty, and staff to join us …
Converse Celebrates 2024 RISE Symposium
Converse University held its third RISE (Research, Internship, and ArtS Experiential Learning) Symposium from April 8 through April 12, 2024. All student projects were displayed in the Montgomery …
Converse Celebrates High-Impact Experiential Learning at 2023 RISE Symposium
Converse held its second annual RISE Symposium during the week of April 10, 2023. Open to all undergraduate, graduate and Converse II students, the RISE …
Converse Celebrates Inaugural RISE Symposium
Converse’s RISE symposium aims to celebrate student scholarly activities and achievements across all areas of study at Converse University.