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Rutgers Democracy Lab Showcase

We invite you to join us on April 23, 2026, from 12:00–4:00 PM at the Cook Student Center for the Rutgers Democracy Lab Showcase, an afternoon for faculty, staff, and students to explore ways to get involved with RDL while highlighting how the Lab is building pathways for the Rutgers community to engage with student-led democracy research and engagement. Click here to register!

Thursday April 23, 2026 • 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM • Cook Student Center, New Brunswick

The Showcase is an opportunity to reflect on the interdisciplinary pathways for civic learning and democratic research that the Rutgers Democracy Lab (RDL) has developed across its inaugural year. As we celebrate Solving Grand Challenges Month, we invite the Rutgers community to our inaugural Showcase to explore our student-led programming, events, and research and to imagine new ways to engage with democracy.

You'll hear remarks from RDL's inaugural director, Dr. Nick Longo, followed by fast-paced lightning talks from RDL faculty and staff, as well as a parallel session of student poster presentations featuring hands-on democratic engagement and research. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet RDL students and faculty fellows, discuss ongoing projects, and connect with RDL staff and partners.

Registration

Advanced registration is required at this link.

(Note: This showcase is open to all Rutgers University faculty, staff, students, and the public.)

Event Overview

Below is a short preview of the agenda, and a full one can be found here.

12:00–12:30 PM - Lunch and networking

12:30–1:00 PM - Welcome and introductions from RDL Leadership

1:00–3:00 PM - Simultaneous Lightning Talks & Poster Presentations (explore more below)

3:00–4:00 PM - Coffee and networking/Recruitment and tabling from key RDL programs and affiliates

  • Learn more about our Faculty and Staff Democracy Fellows and their Democracy-Centered Research and Work.

    1:00–1:10 PM
    Inspiring Democratic Engagement through Digital Media Production Coursework
    Professor Alyse Shorland

    1:12–1:22 PM
    Amplify Democracy: A Student-Led Podcast and Digital Toolkit on Civic Engagement through the Arts
    Dr. Cleopatra Charles

    1:24–1:34 PM
    Democracy and Critical Thinking in Business Ethics: A Course Module
    Dr. Joanne Ciulla

    1:36–1:46 PM:
    Does Informing Potential Voters Make for an Informed Vote? 
    Dr. Richard Lau and Dr. Katherine McCabe

    1:48–1:58 PM
    The Rutgers Health Policy and Advocacy Corps. 
    Jack Hemphill

    2:00–2:10 PM
    State by State, Vote by Vote: Reclaiming the Power of the American Voter 
    Dr. Debra Borie-Holtz

    2:12–2:22 PM
    Policy Collaboratory
    Dr. Elizabeth Cooner & Dr. Kevin Majewski

    2:24–2:34 PM
    Conflict to Connection Trainings with Rutgers Student Leaders
    Dr. Amy Miele

    2:36–2:46 PM
    Rutgers Scarlet Service

    2:48–2:58 PM
    RDL Civics Bootcamps and Experiential Learning Experiences through Eagleton Education Programs
    Professor Ginger Gold Schnitzer

    • RDL Think and Do Tank Student Projects
      • RDL Civic Engagement Hub
      • Rutgers University Police Department–Student Safety Committee
      • The MENO Cause: Menstrual Equity for New
      • Basic Needs Student Steering Committee
      • Transit Access for Career Equity Initiative
      • Civic Accessibility Initiative
    • RDL Talking Across Difference Student Leaders Program
    • Third Spaces at Rutgers-New Brunswick
    • Paideia: A K–8 Civics Learning Platform powered by the RDL Student Fellows Program and the Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship Academy (IDEA) at Rutgers University
    • Effects of Apolitical Influencers on Political Behavior powered by the RDL Technology and Democracy Research Hub
    • Rutgers Scarlet Service
    • Rutgers-Health: Health Policy Advocacy Corps.
    • RDL Digital Content Creators Internship
    • Center for Youth Political Participation

Whether you are interested in integrating civic learning into your teaching, pursuing research or partnership opportunities, or finding student experiential learning opportunities, the Showcase is designed to help you discover how the Rutgers Democracy Lab can support your goals.

Please email democracy@eagleton.rutgers.edu with any questions. We look forward to seeing you at the showcase!