University of New Orleans student Ash Gaude (inset picture) was awarded first place for her painting “French Quarter Musician” during InnovateUNO 2020, which was held virtually this year.

The University of New Orleans' Office of Research wrapped up the ninth annual InnovateUNO with an awards ceremony on Nov. 24 that recognized the winners of the research symposium which was held online this year.

Over the course of the weeklong virtual event, attendees viewed more than 100 oral, art, theater, music and film presentations. Presenters included UNO students, faculty and staff from every discipline whose work was evaluated by a panel of 55 volunteer judges.

“InnovateUNO continues to be a great opportunity for our students, faculty members and staff members to present their accomplishments in research, creative and scholarly endeavors,” said Matthew Tarr, vice president for research and economic development. “So many people have contributed to the success of this event, which is an important platform for our undergraduate and graduate students to showcase their achievements and gain experience with public presentations. 

“Even during adversity, our students have shown their ability to succeed. The presentations this year were outstanding.”

The highest-ranked presentations were awarded a total of $2,500 by the Office of Research and the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust. Both undergraduate and graduate students were awarded prizes.

Undergraduate students who ranked in the top five presentations within their categories will be invited to present at the University of Louisiana System’s annual Academic Summit, held virtually in the spring. 

The first-place presenters will be invited to present at the National Conferences on Undergraduate Research, also to be held virtually in the spring. Attendance at these events will be sponsored by the Office of Research.