Psychological sciences Ph.D. student Holly Rus won $1,000 as a runner-up in last week's GradSLAM! finals. This year was the first time UC Merced participated in the UC-wide event, in which graduate students get just three minutes to present their research to a panel of non-specialist judges with the goal of increasing the students’ communication skills and ability to effectively present their work with poise and confidence.
Rus researches the effects of social media on user emotions, and was among 10 finalists who had advanced from the April 7 preliminary competition. Environmental systems student Nathaniel Bogie won the $2,000 grand prize and the chance to represent UC Merced in the systemwide Grad Slam competition in Oakland on May 4. Joannee Zumkehr, a quantitative and systems biology student, also received $1,000 as a runner-up. The remaining finalists received $250 each in recognition of their efforts.
“I am so pleased with the caliber of presentations that we have seen during the course of this competition,” Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Education Marjorie Zatz said. “Communicating complex research to a group of laypeople in a polished, professional and engaging manner can be quite difficult, but our finalists have risen admirably to the challenge.”
The finalists were able to take advantage of individualized coaching sessions with representatives from Playhouse Merced, who helped them further develop their public speaking skills.
Judges for the event were Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Tom Peterson, Merced Mayor Stan Thurston, Merced County Supervisor Hub Walsh, Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Relations Kyle Hoffman, and UC Merced Foundation Trustees Dorothy Bizzini and Phyllis Nusz.
The systemwide Grad Slam competition, hosted by President Janet Napolitano, will be streamed live on campus at the Grad Pad (SSB 350) from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
