The Student and Postdoctoral Engagement Community (SPEC) exists to support the professional development of graduate and postdoctoral students working in the areas of military, Veteran, public safety personnel and family health research. This online conference is intended to build a supportive community for scholars, encouraging collaboration and offering solidarity as SPEC members share their ongoing research – whether it is initial ideas captured within a literature review, an overview of a planned study, a summary of work to-date, or final results. 

As a SPEC-led conference, we will guide participants through the development of abstracts, peer review process, familiarization with presenting online, and presenting. At each stage, we will provide professional development (i.e., writing abstracts and conducting peer review). Our overarching goal is to provide a space where SPEC members can share their work and connect with others while developing academic skills necessary for success as an independent scholar. 

Abstract Submission: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdRp-qy1FfiNyWVU4_qvW9g9B1Q0yE-j8zRy82-o2u1PYW4jA/viewform?usp=header (due date December 1, 2025)