The Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation is hosting an inaugural Innovation Showcase on April 11 to highlight the research of undergraduate and graduate students in its various programs, including exercise science, public health and athletic training.

The student-led showcase will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the third floor of the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building. Students, faculty, staff and the public are invited to attend and hear presentations on research, classwork and internship projects during the conference-style event.

Eleanor Schrems, a Ph.D. candidate in the department, said the planning committee was inspired to organize the event to showcase all the student research and projects happening in the department.

"Our department disciplines are so diverse and full of exciting information and research, but we never get a chance to fully appreciate everything with everyone's busy schedules," Schrems said. "We wanted to create an opportunity to take a day to showcase what everyone is doing and everyone's areas of expertise."

Presentations from several different fields of research will provide ample learning opportunities. Michelle Gray, head of the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, said she's looking forward to seeing students present the research they have been working so hard on.

"The HHPR Innovation Showcase is a great way to demonstrate the diverse and amazing research and projects completed by students in our department," Gray said. "I am proud of our students and all their accomplishments, and this event will allow individuals outside our department to experience their achievements."

The showcase will also allow students of all levels to refine their skills before presenting their work at various national or international conferences.

The event will feature two sessions of graduate oral presentations along with poster and internship presentations from both graduate and undergraduate students. There will also be an undergraduate rapid-fire presentation session and a brief department awards ceremony to close the event. Ray Urbina, a third-year Ph.D. student under Gray, said he's looking forward to hearing about his peer's projects this year.

"It can be difficult to keep up with everyone's research, so when planning the event, we wanted it to be a great way to hear about what our peers are doing throughout the department," Urbina said.

The event is supported by the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation; the Exercise Science Research Center; and the Center for Public Health and Technology, all in the College of Education and Health Professions.