UPPF Fellows Showcase Research at the 2026 MLK Student Leadership Conference
Introduction
On Saturday, January 31st, Urban Public Policy Fellowship (UPPF) fellows showcased their ongoing research at the 2026 UIC Martin Luther King Jr. Student Leadership Conference. The UIC Martin Luther King Jr. Student Leadership Conference is a large in-person leadership event on campus. Attendees heard from keynote speakers Kuumba Lynx founders Jaquanda Villegas and Jacinda Bullie, attended a variety of workshops led by faculty, staff, and peers, and networked with others in the UIC Community. Attendees were inspired by the legacy of MLK Jr. while learning, connecting, and growing with fellow campus leaders
As a cosponsor to the conference, UPPF invited current fellows to showcase their research through a gallery and student research panel. UPPF fellows were stationed with individual table presentations about their academic research projects, where attendees could learn from the students about their unique internship and research experiences. Closing out the conference, fellows participated in a student panel which explored how UIC students can apply justice practices learned throughout the day into their academic, social, and leadership experiences.
Thank you to the UIC Martin Luther King Jr. Student Leadership Conference and all cosponsors for the incredible opportunity!
