Transformations sets stage for student research  - SUNY Cortland

Transformations sets stage for student research  - SUNY Cortland
Transformations sets stage for student research
04/20/2026
SUNY Cortland students will finally reveal months — or sometimes years — of their own scholarly work during
Transformations: A Student Research and Creativity Conference
on Thursday, April 30, and Friday, May 1.
Created in 1997 as Scholars’ Day, the university event lets students share the findings of their research and their original ideas. It was renamed Transformations in 2012 to emphasize how research transforms the studied subjects, students’ lives and the outside world.
“The student research is a part of a larger experience of applied learning,” said Bruce Mattingly, dean of the school of arts and sciences. “We know it’s very valuable for our students and we’re glad that they have those opportunities. This is just one way to showcase it.”
The conference begins at 4:30 p.m. on April 30 in the Hobson Lecture Hall, located in Sperry Center, Room 104.
A keynote address, “Don’t Jump to Conclusions: We Know Less About Invasions than We Think,” will be presented by Andrea Dávalos, associate professor of biological sciences. She earned the university’s
2026 Dr. Peter DiNardo ’68 and Judith Waring Outstanding Achievement in Research Award
as well as the
SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities
A poster presentation during last year's Transformations conference.
On May 1, Bowers Hall will host individual, group and poster presentations from 113 students on the research they conducted with the support of 49 faculty mentors. Research disciplines this year range from archaeology to geography to sport management and beyond.
The success of Transformations is a team effort, according to Mattingly. Faculty and staff from all three of SUNY Cortland’s academic schools — Arts and Sciences, Professional Studies and Education — all serve on the conference’s committee.
The enthusiasm for the event makes it a great showcase for the university.
“I like the overall energy of the day,” Mattingly said. “You walk through the poster sessions and you’ve got students excited to talk about what their work has been. And there’s always crowds of people around listening to what they have to say.”
More information and a presentation handbook are available on the
Transformations webpage
For questions about Transformations, please contact the Dean of Arts and Sciences Office at 607-753-4312 or by
email
More News
Senior B.F.A. 2026 exhibitions set
The three senior artists will display their work with an opening reception on April 24.
Faculty and staff honored with 2026 SUNY Chancellor’s Awards
Four SUNY Cortland faculty and staff members were elevated for teaching, scholarship, creative activities and service.
Transformations sets stage for student research
The annual multidisciplinary conference returns to showcase research and creative work on campus.
SUNY Cortland gets its GOAT
The alumni-made GOAT USA brand is selling out at the Campus Store.
Wingard to lead Educational Opportunity Program
Kharmen Wingard M ’11 has been named director of EOP.
Cortland Danceworks claims national championship
The dance team finished first in the Division III Hip Hop category.
National association honors former physical education major
For her leadership among peers, Megan McConologue ’25 was chosen as a 2026 Major of the Year.
Poet Ana Božičević to read at SUNY Cortland
The Croatian-born author’s most recent volume, ‘New Life,’ was recognized by ‘Publisher’s Weekly.’
‘Cinderella’ brings magic to SUNY Cortland stage
Six shows of the classic musical will take place over two weekends starting April 10.
SUNY Cortland adds business student credential potential
The Certified Financial Analyst University Affiliation Program offers a new partnership with a global business institute.
We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your website experience and help us understand how you navigate our website. By using this site, you agree to our