Democracy & Governance Student Research Symposium

4th Annual Democracy & Governance Student Research Symposium

We are excited to announce that the 4th Annual Democracy & Governance Student Research Symposium will take place on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST!

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The 4th Annual Democracy & Governance Student Research Symposium will take place on February 3rd, 2026 at Georgetown University. Hosted by the Center for Democracy and Civil Society, the symposium is an opportunity for graduate students from D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) universities who are focused on democracy and governance to present their independent research and projects, gain practical experience, and connect with established and young professionals in the field.

2026 Participants

Sloan Lansdale, Government and Politics, PhD, University of Maryland College Park

Ashlyn Barclay, Communications PhD, Columbia Journalism School

Felipe Mosquera Blanco, Political Theory PhD, The Catholic University of America

Avery Allen, Doctoral in Communications, Culture, and Media Studies, Howard University

Shea Minter, Ph. D. in Government, Georgetown University

Tsegaab H., Doctor of Liberal Studies, Georgetown University

Ronald Trenchi, PhD in Political Science, University of Delaware

Prerna Barua, PhD in Conflict Analysis and Resolution, George Mason University

Henrique Arevalo Poincot, Democracy and Governance MA, Georgetown University

Zak Schneider, Democracy and Governance MA, Georgetown University

Victoria Brusa, Democracy and Governance MA, Georgetown University

Damian Walsh, Democracy and Governance MA, Georgetown University

Paul P., MPS in Applied Intelligence, Georgetown University

Jakub Wozniak, MA in International Relations, Johns Hopkins SAIS

Sydney Greenlaw, MA in International Relations, Johns Hopkins SAIS

Kaushar Barejiya, MA in International Relations, Johns Hopkins SAIS

Markal Kelly, MA in International Relations, Johns Hopkins SAIS

Alexander Fisher, MA in International Relations, Johns Hopkins SAIS

Mohamed S., MA in International Relations, Johns Hopkins SAIS

Daiki MAI, MA in International Relations, Johns Hopkins SAIS

Saadwi Balaji, Conflict Resolution MA, Georgetown University

Elizabeth Lyons, Conflict Resolution MA, Georgetown University

Catherine Plywaczewski, MS in Foreign Service, Georgetown University

Lucia Fishel, Ethics, Peace, and Human Rights MA, American University

Framework

Students interested in presenting their work are required to submit a 300 word abstract for review. Research is not required to be final for the initial application and preliminary research is welcome. Students are expected to have finished their research and printed a poster by the date of the symposium. The top findings based on merit will be included in the symposium. Once decisions are made, students will be notified and those who have been accepted will be expected to create a poster of their findings to be displayed and presented during the event.

This year, in addition to gaining invaluable experience presenting in a professional setting, students also have the opportunity to win an award and certificate for their research. Three outstanding students could receive this award.

Each presenter will be reviewed according to the following criteria:

Originality in topic
Design of research
Clarity in stating the problem or thesis
Ability to communicate findings and limitations effectively

Important Deadlines

Abstract Due: November 21st, 2025
Application Decisions: December 12th, 2025
Final Research Due: January 9th, 2026

Research Submission Guidelines

If you are interested in submitting your research or project for review, please read the guidelines below for further information on eligibility and logistics.

You must be a current graduate student (MA, MS, MPP, MPA, LLM, and PhD), part-time or full-time, at a DMV area university. Please reach out to us if you are interested in submitting your work but do not attend a university in the DMV area. We are happy to review your work, but are unable to provide travel and lodging accommodations for those attending from outside of the area.
The research you are submitting must have a clear and definite connection to the field of democracy and governance. Work from non-traditional or intersectional disciplines are welcomed and encouraged to apply.
Group research may be presented with up to two researchers as long as both can present
Your work must be original, relevant and contain elements of looking towards the future of democracy.