smiling SoR student members
This targeted single-day initiative is designed to lower the barrier to entry for undergraduate students into the exciting world of rheology - exposing them to cutting-edge research fields and diverse career pathways in rheology and soft matter - and providing important networking and professional development opportunities. Through structured and unstructured sessions and activities, undergraduates will be immersed in the vibrant SoR community and begin to think....I’m a rheologist.
When? Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | 9:30am - 8:00pm
Where? Society of Rheology Annual Meeting | Hilton Park Plaza | Boston, MA
How Much? FREE (lunch included)
Who is Eligible? Anyone currently enrolled as an undergraduate student
poster session discussions & delicious snacks
Registration Deadline: October 16, 2026
Event Highlights:
- Access to afternoon technical sessions and invited talks
- Networking with SoR members and affiliates of all career stages
- VIP exhibit hall tours with vendors
- Graduate student mentors to guide students through the Poster Session
Flash talks from leaders in the field about the different technical session topics:
- Randy Ewoldt | Flow-Induced Instabilities and Non-Newtonian Fluids
- Matt Helgeson | Techniques and Methods: Rheometry, Tribometry, Spectroscopy, and Microscopy
- Parth Kelkar | Applied Rheology for Industrial Applications
- Rishabh More | Colloidal Suspensions and Granular Materials
- Rae Robertson-Anderson | Biomaterials, Bio-fluid Dynamics, and Biorheology
- Simon Rogers | Polymer Solutions, Melts, and Blends
- Vivek Sharma | Interfacial Rheology, Surfactants, Foams, and Emulsions
- Kelly Schultz | Self-Assemblies, Gels, and Networks
- Samanvaya Srivastava | Rheology of Field-Responsive Materials and Soft Robotics
Careers panel with panelists from academia, industry and national labs
- Academia | Sarah Hashmi & Reza Foudrazi
- National Labs | Anne Grillet & Christine Roberts
- Industry | Keara Saud & Damien Vadillo
Event Schedule
Time |
Activity |
Location |
Details & Deliverables |
|---|---|---|---|
9:15 AM – 9:45 AM |
Undergraduate Registration & Check-In |
Registration Desk - Grand Ballroom (Mezzanine Level) |
Students pick up badges, venue maps, and “Rheology 101" cheat sheet |
9:45 AM – 9:50 AM |
Welcome & Session Escort |
Move to Studio 2 (Lobby Level) |
A brief huddle to welcome students and guide them to their first technical session. |
9:50 AM – 11:50 AM |
Future of Rheology Invited Session |
Studio 2 (Lobby Level) |
Students attend the FoR session to experience high-quality scientific talks delivered exclusively by graduate students, creating a highly relatable path to research. |
11:55 AM – 12:40 PM |
Wonderful World of Rheology: Lunch & Flash Talks |
Stadler (Mezzanine Level) |
3-min flash talks by faculty about each of the 9 technical tracks that will be featured in afternoon sessions to introduce students to the breadth of soft matter and rheology. Focus on applications in everyday life as well as rheology fun facts and mysteries. |
12:40 PM – 1:30 PM |
Careers in Rheology: Panel Discussion & Networking |
Stadler (Mezzanine Level) |
Panelists from industry, academia, and national labs talk about their career paths, job responsibilities, expectations, “what I wish I knew as an undergrad” and how to decide if grad school is right for you. |
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM |
Technical Session Choice / Exploration |
Various Conference Rooms (check the program for rooms) |
Students self-select and sit in on afternoon technical sessions to see senior scientists present |
2:30 PM – 3:10 PM |
Exhibitor Engagement & Instrument Guided Tour |
Grand Ballroom B |
An interactive tour of the exhibition hall. Students meet instrument manufacturers (e.g., TA Instruments, Anton Paar) for live, hands-on demonstrations before the coffee break. |
3:10 PM – 3:45 PM |
Conference Coffee Break & Mentor Meet-up |
Grand Ballroom B (Mezzanine Level), The Loft (Lobby), Avenue 34 (Lobby) |
Students join the main conference delegation for coffee and are formally introduced to their assigned graduate student “Poster Mentors.” |
3:45 PM – 5:15 PM |
Technical Session Choice / Exploration |
Various Conference Rooms (check the program for rooms) |
Students self-select and sit in on afternoon technical sessions to see senior scientists present. |
5:15 PM – 6:00 PM |
Gallery of Rheology and Social Media Contest Viewing |
Grand Ballroom B and Pre-function (Mezzanine Level) |
Students browse visual and video entries for the contest, highlighting the striking aesthetic elements of rheology. |
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
Poster Session & Reception |
Georgian/Arlington/Berkeley/Clarendon (Mezzanine Level) |
Students team up with their graduate student mentors to navigate the poster session, practice networking, and discuss research paths over food and drinks. |