The University of South Carolina Upstate will host the 14th Annual South Carolina Upstate Research Symposium on Friday, April 13.

The symposium provides a forum for students, faculty, staff, and community members from the Upstate region to interact, share information and expertise, and nurture future research collaborations.

The event will feature a keynote address by Janisse Ray, an author, naturalist, and environmental activist. Ray is the author of six books, including her most recent, “The Seed Underground: A Growing Revolution to Save Food.” She lectures nationally on nature, community, agriculture, sustainability, writing, and the politics of wholeness.

The day also will feature more than 70 research, scholarly, and creative presentations. Attendees and presenters represent more than 20 colleges and universities across the region, along with many community partners.         

Other highlights from the day will include an interactive writing workshop by Janisse Ray, a medical school workshop hosted by the USC School of Medicine - Greenville, and a performance by the Nolan Stolz Rock Orchestra.

The event is free and open to the public. For a full schedule, visit www.uscupstate.edu/symposium.