Meet the 2026 Mathias Conference Winners
For the second year in a row, American University’s Robyn Rafferty Mathias Student Research Conference has drawn more than 200 student participants, underscoring students’ strong interest in research across the College of Arts and Sciences. Held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Don Myers Technology and Innovation Building, the 36th annual conference showcased original research, scholarship, and creative work from undergraduate and graduate students across the College of Arts and Sciences.
The conference reflects a growing culture of curiosity and collaboration at AU, where students are supported in pursuing ambitious ideas and applying their work beyond the classroom. It also comes at a pivotal moment for the university, following AU’s R1 research status, an acknowledgment of its increasing research activity and impact. This year’s keynote speaker, Nahid Farhady Ghalaty, Principal Software Engineer at Microsoft and Chief Technology Officer at Genee, explored the evolving risks and opportunities created by generative and predictive AI. Her talk was followed by a faculty panel discussion featuring Environmental Science Professor Chelsea Horne and Computer Science Professor Zois Boukouvalas, along with an audience Q&A that sparked thoughtful dialogue on AI security, privacy, and governance.
“What stands out this year is not only the depth and ambition of the work our students are producing, but also the energy and enthusiasm they bring to the conference,” said College of Arts and Sciences Dean Linda Aldoory. “The strong participation we continue to see reflects a vibrant culture of curiosity, collaboration, and real-world learning at American University.”
