Film student Sage Blackledge (inset picture) won first place for her short film project “Mother’s Always Right,” a psychological thriller that explores intergenerational trauma.

The University of New Orleans' Office of Research wrapped up the 10th annual InnovateUNO with an awards ceremony on Thursday that recognized the winners of the research symposium which was held online this year.

Over the course of the weeklong event, attendees viewed 80 oral, art, theater and film presentations. Presenters included UNO students, faculty and staff from every discipline, as well as a pair of local high school students. This was the fifth year it has been open to all students, faculty and staff.

The presentations were evaluated by 50 volunteer judges including UNO faculty, staff and graduate students.

“Our presenters, mentors and judges all showed great dedication to participating in our InnovateUNO program this year,” said Matthew Tarr, vice president for research and economic development. “The ongoing efforts in research, scholarly and creative endeavors are as impressive as ever, despite the many challenges faced by our university community this year.

“The University is impressed with the great work done and honored to have such talented participants in our program.”

The best-ranked presentations were awarded a total of more than $2,600 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 this spring.

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