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: September 4, 2026
Event Highlights:
- Graduate Student Peer Mentors to guide students through poster session
- Flash talks from leaders in the field about the different technical session topics
- Careers panel
- VIP exhibit hall tours
Event Schedule
Time |
Activity |
Location |
Details & Deliverables |
|---|---|---|---|
9:15 AM – 9:45 AM |
Undergraduate Registration & Check-In |
Registration Desk |
Students pick up badges, venue maps, and “Rheology 101" cheat sheet |
9:45 AM – 9:50 AM |
Welcome & Session Escort |
Move to Track 4 session room |
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 |
Track 4 session room |
Students attend the FoR session to experience high-quality scientific talks delivered exclusively by graduate students, creating a highly relatable path to research. |
11:50 AM – 1:00 PM |
The Wonderful World of Rheology Lunch & Networking |
Stadler Conference Room |
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. |
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM |
Careers in Rheology: Panel Discussion |
Stadler Conference Room |
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 |
Tracks 1-7 |
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 |
Exhibition Hall |
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 |
Coffee Break Area |
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 |
Tracks 1-7 |
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 |
Contest Display Area |
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 |
Poster Session |
Students team up with their graduate student mentors to navigate the poster session, practice networking, and discuss research paths over food and drinks. |