In January, we spoke with Dr. Ridwan Sakidja about his students’ top-three placement in a category of the Airbus and BMW Quantum Computing Challenge 2024. Sakidja highlighted the Einhellig Interdisciplinary Forum (EIDF) as “a critical step” in his students’ success. As he put it, “We saw that we performed well in this familiar environment, and we thought: Maybe we can do even more.” EIDF gave Sakidja’s students a morale boost that helped propel them through the Quantum Computing Challenge, all the way to the finals.

“That’s exactly why EIDF was developed,” says Dr. Carrisa Hoelscher, associate dean of the Graduate College. “Students often tell us that it’s a stepping stone for them as they work toward their goals — it’s about building confidence.”

Upcoming EIDF

The 2025 EIDF is on the horizon. Dr. Julie Masterson, dean of the Graduate College, and Hoelscher hope all graduate students will take advantage of this chance to share what they’ve learned, mingle with faculty and students and sharpen their professional skills.

EIDF presentations are judged by faculty, but the Graduate College is careful to make sure faculty don’t judge in their own fields of expertise. “This gives presenters practice in describing their work to a lay audience,” Masterson says.

It’s the same skill set, Hoelscher says, that helps people make connections at networking receptions and professional conferences. “We all need the ability to have natural conversations about our area of expertise,” she says.

Event Details

• What: Einhellig Interdisciplinary Forum
• When: Friday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Where: Plaster Student Union Ballroom and Siceluff Hall
• Who:
  • Missouri State graduate students are encouraged to submit abstracts of their research or creative works for consideration.
  • Faculty are encouraged to serve as judges.
  • Undergraduates and all members of the Missouri State community are encouraged to attend.
• Apply by: Submit abstracts for consideration by 5 p.m. on March 31.
• More information: EIDF website

Five Things to Know About EIDF

1. Now, it’s on a Friday.

In the past, EIDF took place on a Saturday. Holding the event on the weekend sometimes prevented people from participating. But the College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CNAS) and the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) both have their own long-standing forums, and the Graduate College was reluctant to reschedule EIDF in a way that might interfere with those events. Leaders from all colleges came together and developed a win-win solution. This year, the CNAS Undergraduate Research Symposium and the MCHHS 29th Annual Student Research Symposium will take place on Thursday, April 24, leaving the following day open for EIDF. As a bonus, Masterson says, holding these three signature events over a two-day period shines a big spotlight on student research.

2. Presenters have options for how to participate.

This year, the oral presentation format is back. Pre-COVID-19, presenters could compete in either poster or oral formats. During the pandemic, EIDF shifted entirely to poster presentations. “Faculty in certain disciplines told us that poster presentations aren’t common in their fields, so those skills aren’t as useful for their students,” Hoelscher says. In response, the Graduate College restored the oral presentation option. And regardless of format, everyone who competes is eligible for awards consideration.

3. It’s designed to accommodate a variety of research processes.

Students may submit solo-authored or team-authored research, and the rules allow for unique submissions. For example, one program in MCHHS has an established tradition in which first-year students present research that was conducted by second-year students. “That’s a unique way of submitting to EIDF, but it’s allowed,” Hoelscher says. “Regardless of the norms of the academic program, this event will match your research style.”

4. Faculty play a crucial role.

EIDF’s success depends on faculty who are willing to serve as judges. If you’re on the lookout for university-level service, judging EIDF fits the bill. It’s a limited time commitment. You can sign up online, and you can volunteer for specific time slots, depending on your availability. Plus, Masterson says, “It’s invigorating to see incredible work from across campus, and it’s a great way to make new contacts.”

5. It’s a celebration.

The Graduate College team cultivates a festive environment, and the day concludes with an awards ceremony. Masterson says it’s all part of showcasing the range of research that happens at Missouri State. “Sometimes, research means working in a lab coat, and research can also be a team project about making wise financial investments,” she says. “Artistic works are research, and so are projects that are designed to identify ‘best practices’ in an organization. At EIDF, there’s room for all of it.”

Around Campus…

Last month, Missouri State’s Graduate College got great news: big recognition from the 2025 Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools/ProQuest Distinguished Master’s Thesis Awards. Shusmoy Chowdhury, who graduated with a Master of Science in Computer Science in 2023, was selected as the First Runner-up/Honorable Mention for Distinguished Master’s Thesis Award in the category of mathematics, physical sciences and engineering.

We caught up with Chowdhury’s thesis advisor, Dr. Ajay Katangur, head of the computer science department, to learn more about this achievement.

Q&A

Academic Expressions: What awesome recognition! Tell us a little about Shusmoy, as a student and a researcher.

Ajay Katangur: Shusmoy is one of the most outstanding research students I’ve ever worked with. He’s exceptionally dedicated and driven. His commitment to advancing cloud computing through innovative load-balancing and service broker policies is genuinely commendable. His research contributions resulted in several peer-reviewed publications, an accomplishment that rivals those of more experienced scholars. During his time in our program, we appreciated his leadership and collaborative spirit. They were evident in his ability to quickly grasp complex concepts, apply evolutionary algorithms and mentor fellow students.

AE: How does this win highlight the opportunities our students have to conduct meaningful research?

AK: This recognition is a testament to the high-impact research opportunities that are available at Missouri State. Shusmoy’s outstanding thesis exemplifies the kind of rigorous, innovative work students can achieve with the right mentorship and academic environment. His success highlights the strength of our computer science program in fostering research excellence and preparing students to contribute meaningfully to the field.