SOUTHFIELD, Mich.—More than 140 student research projects will be showcased Friday, April 24, at Lawrence Technological University’s 13th annual Research Day.
That’s a record for the number of research posters to be presented by LTU students at the afternoon portion of the event. In fact, it’s so many that Matthew Cole, dean of the LTU College of Business and Information Technology and Research Day director, decided this year to split up the student presentations by academic level.
Research posters from LTU undergraduates will be displayed from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in the Buell Building atrium (building 5 at https://ltu.edu/about/campus-map/). Posters from LTU graduate students will be displayed in the atrium from 2:15 to 3:45 p.m.
But before that, Research Day begins with a continental breakfast from 8 to 9 a.m. in the lobby outside the Marburger Auditorium in LTU’s Science Building (building 7 on the map). Then, after welcoming remarks at 9 a.m., LTU’s five colleges will present their Researcher of the Year awards.
And then, at 9:45, Research Day keynoter Ashley Williams Clark will speak on her research efforts. Clark is chief strategy officer of Detroit Future City—a research agency and policy advocate using data to improve Detroit’s economy—and director of its Center for Equity, Engagement, and Research. In this role, she leads the center’s work on promoting economic equity in Detroit through evidence-based research, policy recommendations, and engaging Detroit residents and community leaders to understand and use DFC research.
Then, at 11 a.m., LTU will hold its Presidential Colloquium, an annual honor bestowed on LTU’s top researchers. This year’s colloquium speaker is CJ Chung, PhD, LTU professor of computer science. Chung is a nationally renowned authority on artificial intelligence, computer vision, and self-driving vehicle algorithms. On April 24, he’ll speak on his research journey, including research into effective computer science teaching, as well as work on an autonomous Indy-style race car.
After a lunch break, the event moves to the Atrium of the Buell Building at LTU (building 5 on the map) and the research poster presentations from students. At the conclusion of the presentations, $1,500 in prizes will be awarded to the top student researchers.
Said LTU President Tarek Sobh: “Contributing new knowledge of serious intellectual merit is one of the primary missions of a high-quality university. LTU’s faculty and students are excited about conducting research that advances knowledge in the disciplines we teach, doing our part to contribute to a better society.”
Added Cole: “At Lawrence Tech, our students start their LTU journey by solving real-world problems on day one. They work directly with faculty mentors on original projects they design themselves. This curiosity leads to something special. By the time Research Day arrives, our students have spent months turning ideas into reality. This is where they make magic, transforming months of rigorous investigation into innovative solutions that span disciplines. Research Day is the ultimate display of our motto, Theory and Practice, in action. You will meet students prepared to defend their methodologies alongside industry professionals looking for the next big breakthrough. We invite you to join us April 24 to see our students’ curiosity in action and witness the tangible impact of their research.”
LTU research expenditures have grown from $1.5 million in 2020 to $9.7 million in 2025.
LTU’s Research Day is sponsored by MUST Construction Careers, a union-contractor skilled trades apprenticeship program; Oakland County Economic Development and Oakland County Executive David Coulter; and the family of Ken Cook, a beloved LTU professor whose career spanned seven decades. Cook passed away in March 2024.
Lawrence Technological University is one of only 13 independent, technological, comprehensive doctoral universities in the United States. Located in Southfield, Mich., LTU was founded in 1932 and offers more than 100 programs through its Colleges of Architecture and Design, Arts and Sciences, Business and Information Technology, Engineering, and Health Sciences, as well as Specs@LTU as part of its growing Center for Professional Development. PayScale lists Lawrence Tech among the nation’s top 10 percent of universities for alumni salaries. Forbes and The Wall Street Journal rank LTU among the nation’s top 10 percent. U.S. News & World Report lists it in the top tier of the best Midwest colleges. Students benefit from small class sizes and a real-world, hands-on, “theory and practice” education with an emphasis on leadership. Activities on Lawrence Tech’s 107-acre campus include more than 60 student organizations and NAIA varsity sports.