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Expo Preparation

Update Resume

Required

Prepare Abstract

Optional

Update LinkedIn

Optional

Research Poster

Optional

Resume Guide

A resume won't get you a job but it definitely can NOT get you one.

This is one of the most important pieces to the Student Expo. Follow the basic guidelines to the right so you are ready to submit your resume when you register for the event.

Research Abstract Guide

Optional, but recommended to showcase your work!

An in-person poster session will provide students the opportunity to present their research and compete for cash awards!

Research Poster Guide

Presenting a poster increases student visibility at the expo!

Check the FAQ page for more details about the poster session.

Poster Judging Process

Poster session takes place on Monday, Sept 15th, 8-9am

Use this scoring sheet to prepare for your poster presentation!

  • 1-page limit

  • No pictures or images

  • Resume must be submitted in PDF format during registration

  • Keep the document a standard page size (8.5" x 11")

  • Ensure the font and spacing is clear and readable in all formats

  • No font smaller than 10-pt

  • Indentation and structure of your resume should be consistent throughout

  • Ensure the important things are very visible for in-person skimming

  • Proofread your resume. Avoid misspellings and use proper grammar

  • Name the resume file as Resume_Lastname_Firstname

    • ex. (Resume_Yilmaz_Oz; Resume_Bouma_Arnold)​​

  • Example resumes are suggested templates, not a required template​

  • Students can submit updated resumes (check FAQ page for instructions)

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  • Abstract is only required if you plan to present a research poster

  • Research poster instructions will follow after registration

  • Please refer to the abstract template

  • Abstracts must be submitted as a PDF

  • Keep the document a standard page size (8.5" x 11")

  • Minimum left & right margins: 0.5”

  • Limit to a 1-page maximum.

  • Title: Bold upper and lowercase, left margin alignment, one blank line following the title

  • Authors: Last name, first name, and initial in uppercase font; primary author first followed by secondary authors; place an asterisk (*) after the speaker's name​; one blank line following the author list; separate lines listing each affiliated university/employer in italicized font, with superscripts corresponding to the appropriate authors

  • Abstract Body: 250 word limit, plain word (no figure, no illustration, no reference, no abbreviations, no bold font), full justification paragraph alignment

  • Name the resume file as Abstract_Lastname_Firstname

    • ex. (Abstract_Yilmaz_Oz; Abstract_Bouma_Arnold)​

  • Students can submit updated abstracts (check FAQ page for instructions)

  • Only one abstract per student will be delivered to recruiters

  • Only one student can submit the same abstract (no sharing abstracts - abstracts must be original to the individual student)

  • Abstracts can be reused from a previous conference

  • Don't use AI to write your abstract

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  • Size: 4’ (height) x 8’ (length) maximum

  • Poster title should be 85 to 100 pt. font

  • Section titles should be ~36 pt. font

  • Text font should be 20 to 24 pt. font

  • Prioritize figures over large volumes of text - a picture is worth a thousand words!

  • Images should be easy to read from 5-10’ away

  • Include:

    • Title

    • Presenter name and affiliation

    • Introduction

    • Methods/data

    • Conclusions

  • Optional:

    • 2-3 sentence plain language summary

  • Posters can be reused from a previous conference​

  • Judging at Event:

    • Judges will consist of judges from the recruiting companies and judges from the local Houston Geological Society

    • Students will be judged by a minimum of 2 judges

  • Judging Categories 

    • Each of the following category will be judged as follows:

Resume Guide
Research Vid
Elevator pitch
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