Bowie State University Showcases Innovation and Collaboration During 2025 Research and Innovation Week

 

MEDIA CONTACT: media@bowiestate.edu

(BOWIE, Md.) — Bowie State University’s annual Research and Innovation Week brought together students, faculty and staff for a five-day celebration of discovery under the theme “The Power of Collaboration: Advancing Research in a Changing World.” The event highlighted the university’s continued commitment to research excellence, cross-disciplinary partnerships and real-world impact. 

The week began with a dynamic Research Symposium on Monday in the Student Center Ballroom, where participants presented original studies across fields like education, computer science, public health and the arts. Held in three sessions throughout the day, students and faculty engaged in thoughtful discussions about challenges and solutions in their respective fields. 

Tuesday’s programming featured hands-on workshops and interactive presentations that provided insight into research design, innovation strategy and academic publishing. That evening, the Natural Science Beacon Room hosted Technology Transfer Inventor Night, giving attendees the opportunity to explore student and faculty innovations up close. The event showcased emerging technologies and start-up ideas aimed at solving everyday challenges. 

Technology Transfer and Innovation Day followed on Wednesday, featuring workshops on entrepreneurship, intellectual property and the commercialization of research. The sessions encouraged students to think beyond academic settings and consider the broader applications of their work. 

Thursday focused on the Undergraduate Research Institute, where students from a wide range of majors presented independent research projects that demonstrated analytical thinking, creative problem-solving and a passion for inquiry. 

On Friday, the university wrapped up the week with a closing awards ceremony recognizing outstanding contributions to research, innovation and academic leadership. The event honored the achievements of students and faculty who exemplify scholarly excellence. 

Keynote speaker Dr. Dean Chang, chief innovation officer at the University of Maryland, delivered a compelling address on the importance of innovation ecosystems and the transformative power of collaboration in a rapidly evolving world. 

“The power of collaboration is important because that’s the only way you’re really going to get funded,” said Jhovita Williams, senior grants and contracts manager at Bowie State. “Collaborating with external partners brings more opportunities to BSU and the students. Everybody needs that HBCU aspect; and we have it.” 

Held April 21–25, Research and Innovation Week 2025 reflected Bowie State’s ongoing dedication to fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary growth and community-centered progress. 

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About Bowie State University
Founded in 1865, Bowie State University is the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in Maryland and one of the ten oldest in the country. Bowie State has earned the ‘Research College and University’ designation in the 2025 Carnegie Research Activity Classification. As a leading institution of higher learning, Bowie State offers more than 65 bachelor's, master's, doctoral and certificate programs across arts and sciences, technology, business, education, healthcare and related disciplines. The university provides high-quality and affordable educational opportunities in a supportive environment that empowers students to think critically, make new discoveries, value differences and emerge as leaders in a highly technical, rapidly changing global society. For more information about Bowie State University, visit bowiestate.edu.