B.R.I.D.G.E.S

BRIDGES: A Cross-Departmental Graduate Student Conference was successfully held on February 19, 2026, at the Student Activities Center at Stony Brook University. The historic, student-led and student-run interdisciplinary conference brought together graduate scholars, faculty, and community members for a full day of research presentations, artistic showcases, and professional development programming.

The event was organized by the graduate leadership team of The SBU Graduate Arts & Sciences Magazine (GradMag), whose coordination and vision made the large-scale conference possible. Representing more than 40 academic departments, BRIDGES 2026 featured 93 research poster presentations, an art gallery, graduate student film screenings, live musical performances, interdisciplinary seminars, and a Graduate Department Fair.

The conference opened with a keynote address by Peter Stokes, Managing Director of Strategy and Operations at Huron Consulting Group. Attendees also participated in a seminar hosted by the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science from Professor Nancee Moes, and a professional development workshop led by Dr. Alfreda S. James of the Stony Brook University Career Center. Closing remarks were delivered by Provost Carl W. Lejuez and Dean Celia Marshik, who recognized the impact of graduate scholarship and student leadership.

BRIDGES 2026 marked a milestone in interdisciplinary engagement at Stony Brook University, highlighting the strength of graduate research, creativity, and collaboration across the institution.