Riverside, California – The Barbara and Art Culver Center of the Arts in downtown Riverside was abuzz with excitement as nine Highlander Ph.D. candidates showcased their research dissertations at the 10th annual UC Riverside Grad Slam Finals. This University of California-wide speaking competition challenged graduate students to condense their research into three-minute presentations for a general audience. With $5,000 on the line, the stakes were high for the finalists who had advanced through several rounds of competition.
Provost Elizabeth Watkins highlighted the significance of the event, emphasizing how it provided students with a unique opportunity for professional development. The competition not only showcased the diverse and innovative research projects undertaken by graduate students at UCR but also served as a platform to enhance their presentation and communication skills.
As the finalists took their places on the stage, surrounded by judges, event organizers, and a supportive audience, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Each presenter delivered their pitch with varying degrees of energy and style, covering a wide range of topics from suicide statistics to neurological diseases and social issues like autism spectrum disorder.
Following the presentations, the audience had the opportunity to vote for their favorite finalist, adding an interactive element to the competition. As the judges deliberated and scores were tallied, the tension in the room mounted, culminating in the announcement of the winners. Among them, Shannon Brady, a Ph.D. candidate in psychology, emerged victorious with her research on the impact of self-talk on success.
Brady’s success at the UCR Grad Slam Finals earned her a spot in the UCOP-hosted Grad Slam Finale in San Francisco, where she will compete against winners from other UC campuses for a grand prize of $7,000. The event promises to be an epic battle of intellectual prowess and innovation, showcasing the best and brightest minds in the UC system.
For those eager to witness the culmination of these academic pursuits, the 2024 UC Grad Slam will be broadcast on YouTube on May 3. Joining the online audience, viewers can follow the social media coverage using hashtags like #ucrgradslam and #gradslam2024, staying connected with the latest updates and insights from the competition.
Overall, the UC Riverside Grad Slam Finals served as a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of graduate students at UCR. Their research not only contributes to academic discourse but also addresses real-world issues, inspiring change and progress in various fields. As the finalists continue on their academic journey, their work stands as a testament to the power of education and innovation in shaping a better future.
