UMSI student project exposition showcases real-world application of information studies

The University of Michigan School of Information’s next student project exposition on April 17 is a chance for all to see how information can change the world in tangible ways.

UMSI students will display their applied knowledge through projects completed for courses, clients, student organizations and independent initiatives. All are welcome to attend from noon - 2 p.m. in the Michigan League and from 3-5 p.m. online. 

UMSI is excited to be able to host the first in-person student project expo since 2019, says Angie Zill, student engagement program manager in the school’s Engaged Learning Office, which plans and hosts the annual event. 

The expo is an opportunity for students to show the practical, real-world applications of their UMSI coursework. It’s also a chance for potential clients to see what working with UMSI students might yield.

“Walking around the poster fair is a prime opportunity for organizations seeking inspiration for how they can collaborate with UMSI students,” Zill says.

Guests of the online expo will find a similar experience on the Gather Town platform. They can interact with the virtual poster fair using a customized avatar and proximity-based chat features.

UMSI faculty, staff and students can look forward to the expo as an occasion to honor everyone’s efforts and skills on display. 

“Exposition gives students the opportunity to celebrate their work before the end of the year, and for some, graduation,” says Zill.

Register to attend the 2023 UMSI student project exposition. 

Top projects earn awards

Special guest judges will attend this year’s expo, representing UMSI’s Advisory Board and leading organizations including Microsoft, Discord, Ann Arbor District Library and the Heidelberg Project. They will award prizes to student projects in the following categories: 

Final project categories ($5,000 for first prize; $1,500 for second prize)

Bachelor of Science in Information Capstone

Residential Master's Programs Final Projects

Master of Applied Data Science Capstone

Thematic prizes ($1,500 for first prize; $500 for second prize)

Entrepreneurship/Innovation

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Community/Civic

Collaboration/Teamwork

All students who plan to present a poster at Expo ’23 should register and attend a poster prep workshop session hosted by the UMSI Engaged Learning Office. Students in these sessions will get support to ensure their posters are easy for guests to read and digest, and they’ll get tips on engaging with people who come to learn about their projects. 

Funding for the 2023 UMSI student project exposition is provided by the estate of Gerald P. Miller (AMLS '86, Ph.D. '95) and the UMSI Miller Scholars Fund.