Research, Innovation, and Creative Scholarship Celebration Week

The Office of Research and Innovation is proud to present Research, Innovation, and Creative Scholarship Celebration Week, taking place April 2-10, 2026

We have partnered with University Libraries, the Graduate College, Lee Honors College, and others across campus and the Kalamazoo Community to honor the research done by undergraduates, graduates, and faculty at WMU and WMed. 

We invite you to the events below to see a piece of the meaningful research being conducted at Western Michigan University.

To submit your proposed event, please complete this registration form by March 23, 2026. Questions? Contact Christine Stamper.

The 44th Annual Kalamazoo Community Medical and Health Sciences Research Day

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus
The 44th Annual Kalamazoo Community Medical and Health Sciences Research Day will be held on April 2, 2026, at the W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus in downtown Kalamazoo. This is an opportunity to highlight the breadth of research and scholarly activity accomplished by our scientific community.The theme for Research Day 2026 is:“Translating Discovery into Practice: From Lab to Clinic, From Classroom to Implementation"

Evaluation Survey Clinic: Research, Innovation, and Creative Scholarship Celebration Week

4010 Ellsworth Hall
Many groups on campus use surveys to learn about their impact or identify opportunities to improve services. Does your feedback or evaluation survey need a refresh? Do you need a second opinion on a survey a third-party firm is conducting on your behalf? Do you want feedback from students, faculty, or staff on something you're doing on campus and don't know where to start? Sign up for a 25-minute session with experts from the The Evaluation Center. You’ll receive tailored guidance and practical recommendations to strengthen your questionnaire.

University Percussion Ensemble

7:30 to 9 p.m.
Dalton Center
The Western Michigan University Percussion Ensemble performs a diversified program of contemporary music for percussion and is recognized for demonstrating the unique versatility of percussion instruments as well as the musicality of percussion performance. Concert programs include "cutting edge" percussion compositions, historically important percussion works, and world music including literature for the steel pan ensemble. The ensemble has performed throughout Michigan including concerts at high schools, on local arts series, and for Michigan Percussive Arts Society events.Marja Kerney, Director

Fulbright Scholar Program Information Session: Research, Innovation, and Creative Scholarship Celebration Week

9 to 10 a.m.
Fulbright offers faculty and other professionals unparalleled opportunity to research, teach, or consult in 130+ countries worldwide. Opportunities range from 2 weeks to a full year. Come to the Research, Innovation and Creative Scholarship Week 2026 Fulbright US Scholar Info Session and learn about the types of awards available and what the application process looks like.

Faculty Recital: Carter Rice, Multimedia Artist

7:30 to 9 p.m.
Dalton Center
Carter John Rice is an associate professor of Multimedia Arts Technology at Western Michigan University. A native of Minot, North Dakota, Rice is not only a composer but also an audio engineer and educator drawn to music through a desire to instill knowledge in others. As a composer, Rice draws inspiration from a wide array of sources including acoustic phenomena, cognitive science, and classical mechanics. His music has been featured at venues such as the national SEAMUS conference, the national conference for the Society of Composers Inc. (SCI), the International Computer Music Conference, Electronic Music Midwest, and the Electroacoustic Barn Dance.

Faculty Research Presentations: Spotlight on AI in Education

10 to 11:30 a.m.
Sangren Hall
This session explores the future of education by examining how AI-driven tools, such as generative models, automated assessments, and translation earbuds, can be leveraged to create personalized and adaptive learning environments for both students and educators

Algorithms in the Academy: AI Meets Educational Research

1:30 to 3 p.m.
Sangren Hall
This session explores the intersection of education research and generative AI, specifically examining how these tools impact professional identity, streamline systematic review workflows, and compare to human design in rubric creation.

CEHD Research Panel Discussion #1

3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Michael Osei will present an empirical panel study on investor reactions to executive turnover, followed by Ana Vasquez-Quino’s discussion on community engagement lessons learned from a three-year evaluation of the Community Piano Program.

CEHD Research Panel Discussion #2

4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
This presentation series explores diverse strategies for improving the student experience, ranging from digital mindfulness interventions for stress reduction to the critical roles of staff representation and reimagined research communities in fostering institutional belonging.

University Assessment Steering Committee Grant Celebration

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
University Computing Center, 2nd floor
The University Assessment Steering Committee invites our campus community to join us for a reception to recognize past and present Assessment Grant recipients with special highlights from the 2025 Assessment Mini Grant projects. The celebration takes place on Tuesday, April 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and will be held on the 2nd floor of the University Computing Center. RSVP is requested so we can plan accordingly. Don't miss out on great conversation and great food!

Light Center for Chinese Studies Brown Bag Talk

12 to 1 p.m.
Sangren Hall
Treasure Hill Manifestation: Sculptural Renderings from an Artist Village in Taipei by Prof. Patrick Wilson, Gwen Frostic School of Art, Western Michigan University

CEHD Research Panel Discussion #3

4 to 5 p.m.
Paul Odhiambo Otieno will discuss the impact of the U.S. two-sex policy on Title IX sexual misconduct compliance, while Michael Hart will present a historical overview of Michael Scriven’s academic publications.

University Jazz Lab Band

7:30 to 9 p.m.
Dalton Center
The University Jazz Lab Band is dedicated to the well-prepared performance of big band charts where careful attention is given to style and detail. Literature includes both traditional and contemporary jazz works, and the ensemble is also available for the reading and performance of student compositions and arrangements. An active on- and off-campus performance schedule is maintained. Membership is open to all Western Michigan University students by audition.Carlo De Rosa, Director.

BFA Senior Graduating Presentations

Friday, April 17, 2026 — 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Saturday, April 18, 2026 — 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 18, 2026 — 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Sunday, April 19, 2026 — 2 to 3:30 p.m.
Dalton Center
A culminating celebration of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance students, this event showcases seniors’ capstone works and solo performances, marking the transition from student to professional with artistry that is both deeply personal and performance-ready.