2026 STEMposium Recap

Students and faculty from the Departments of Natural Sciences, Mathematics & Statistics, Information Technology, and Computer Science showcased their research and internship experiences at this spring’s STEMposium. Organized by Dr. Chris Rigsby, Dr. Josh Harrelson, and Dr. Alan Stines, the interdisciplinary event highlights the breadth and quality of STEM scholarship at Middle Georgia State University.

This year’s program also featured distinguished MGA STEM alumni speakers. Representing Mathematics & Statistics, Mr. Duane Day, Associate Vice Provost for Academic Strategy and Analytics at the University System of Georgia, reflected on his non-linear career path. Mr. Josh Cohenour, a former IT major and current Director of Engineering at Insightsoftware, explored how AI tools are accelerating software development timelines. Dr. Lani Irvin, an MGA Biology alumna and now an instructor at Laramie County Community College, shared insights on integrating her research on molecular interactions into biology education. The STEMposium event underscored the impact of interdisciplinary collaboration and the strong pipeline connecting MGA students, faculty, and alumni to innovation in STEM fields.

A student presenter at Middle Georgia State University's STEMposium discusses a research poster titled "Design and Implementation of an AI-Based Smart Security System" with a group of attendees. Three male students in professional attire present a physical project model next to a projection screen during a STEMposium session. 

A male student stands at a podium and uses a clicker to present a slideshow featuring chemical diagrams and scientific data to an audience. 

Two students stand in front of their research posters, including one titled "Artificial Sweeteners as Bacterial Energy Sources," while other attendees converse in the background.