This participation avenue involves giving a presentation using a printed poster that covers any technical or non-technical topic of choice and relates to this year’s Katalyst theme of Building Bridges, Shaping Leaders: From Ambition to Action. 

Poster Topics

Examples of technical topics include science, research projects, internship experiences, and career strategies. Examples of non-technical or “passion” topics include personal finance, AI, Web3, etc. Ultimately, all posters should be developed with the conference theme & audience in mind, to fit under one of the following four categories:

1. Academic Research

2. Internship / Industry Journey

3. Networking, Leadership & Soft Skills

4. Passion Topic

Poster Structure

Posters must be self-made, presented individually, and developed specifically for this year’s conference. Beyond summarizing your presentation, posters should be structured to encourage new perspectives and insights on a relevant topic of choice. Posters should be no more than 36” tall and no more than 48” wide (recommended sizes: 36” x 48”, 36” x 42”, 36” x 36”).

Poster Presentation

Presenters should be prepared to explain their poster and to field questions from fellow Katalyst attendees, mentors, and organizers during the designated period. Outside of their assigned time block, presenters should similarly explore other participants’ posters.

The Small Group Discussion avenue offers participants an opportunity to share their experiences and insights gained throughout their college experience with younger peers. Presenters are expected to present for approximately 5–10 minutes on their experiences in academic studies, research opportunities, internships, or post-graduation preparation, among other choices. This material will be shared in a small group with underclassmen aspiring to pursue a similar path. Following the presentations, applicants are expected to guide a meaningful discussion to engage fellow peers.

Applications should tie into this year’s theme, Building Bridges, Shaping Leaders: From Ambition to Action, and can discuss either their experiences pursuing a career in industry or academia.

Example topics include but are not limited to:

Industry/Internships

• Engineering 

• Computer Science

• Finance/Business

• Biotech/Pharmaceuticals

• Data Science and Analytics

Research/Academia

• Physics/Engineering

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Clinical (medical) applications

Applicants in the small group discussion must be current juniors or seniors. Underclassmen are not eligible for this participation avenue.

The YG Group Leader Session provides a special opportunity for KSEA YG Group leaders from across the nation to interact, collaborate, and exchange ideas in an engaging roundtable format.

Through this session, participants will share unique experiences, managerial challenges, and organizational insights. Leaders will collaboratively brainstorm solutions for challenges common to YG Groups (i.e., increasing participation rates, planning large-scale events, and transitioning leadership). In addition to structured discussion, this session will also include opportunities for informal networking and collaboration between YG Groups.

This session welcomes not only undergraduate YG Group Presidents and Vice Presidents but also undergraduate leaders in all key roles within YG Groups. Non-YG Group leaders are not eligible for this participation avenue. You must be a current undergraduate YG Group leader to attend. Graduate student YG Group officers are not eligible.