For the first time in UCI Grad Slam history, the UCI campus finals had 10 female competitors present a wide array of commercialization potentials, ranging from philosophy to cancer treatments.
At the Cove @ UCI, where the finals took place, Rebecca Riley, Ph.D. candidate in theoretical particle physics, won first place as well as $2,000 and a chance to compete in the systemwide finals. Her presentation covered dark matter’s role in uncovering the secrets of the universe.
“I am completely thrilled and honored to represent UCI at the UCI Grad Slam finals,” said Riley.
Grad Slam is a UC-systemwide competition where graduate students summarize their dissertations into three-minute presentations. It begins at the university level, with each UC campus hosting its own competition to select a student for the systemwide finals located at the LinkedIn San Francisco campus in May.
“We, here at the University of California, are funded by and cared for by our community,” said Gillian Hayes, Ph.D., vice provost for graduate education, dean of the graduate division and former CEO of AVIAA. “We need to give back to them and one of the ways that we do is we communicate our wonderful findings from inside the university out into the world.”
Brenna Biggs, Ph.D. candidate in chemistry, and Damie Juat, M.S. candidate in biomedical and translational science, placed second with $750 and third with $500, respectively. Biggs’ research focused on dairy farm manure swamps’ adverse environmental and health effects while Juat examined the possibilities of individualized cancer treatment.
Jenny Woo, Ph.D. candidate in education, and founder and CEO of UCI Beall Applied Innovation Wayfinder startup Mind Brain Parenting was also among the competitors. Woo’s presentation, titled “Unpacking Your Emotional Baggage,” explained the importance of emotional intelligence and expression in childhood learning.
As an unexpected bonus, Hayes gave each contestant $250 for their participation and dedication to research.
“I was so impressed by these competitors tonight and I kind of think it’s not fair to be that great and have only the top three take home some cash,” said Hayes.
Learn more about Grad Slam and the systemwide finals.
Photos courtesy of UCI Graduate Division & Eva Lempert Photography