Graduate Student Association
Science Slam
What is Science Slam?
Science Slam is a competition for JCLS PhD candidates, Masters students, and Postdoctoral Fellows to explain their research to non-expert audience members through short, engaging, and accessible presentations.
Audience members are the judges of this competition; they vote for their favorite talks using scorecards to rate presenters on the research as well as presentation techniques.
Why do Science Slam?
Participating in the Science Slam competition is a great way to build and practice science communication and public speaking skills. Cash prizes are awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners, as well as a nominal prize for all other presenters.
Eligibility & Information Session
All JCLS PhD and MD/PhD students who have passed their comprehensive exam, Masters students who are in their 4th semester or beyond, and Postdoctoral Fellows are eligible to participate though a maximum number of six presenters are selected to present.
All interested participants must attend an information session, which reviews application eligibility requirements, presentation guidelines, expectations of the presentations, and useful science communication tips. All interested participants must then submit an application including a short synopsis of their presentation.
Science Slam Events
On March 7, 2024, the Jefferson College of Life Science's (JCLS) Graduate Student Association (GSA) and the Science Communication Series Organizing Committee hosted the second annual Science Slam at Venture Café in West Philadelphia.
Winners & Participants
- 1st Place Winner: Elizabeth McDuffie, PhD Student, Department of Biochemistry, Scott lab
- 2nd Place Winner: Kallon Crowther, PhD Student, Department of Neuroscience, Smeyne lab
- 3rd Place Winner: Dr. Arijita Ghosh, Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Hajnoczky lab
- Participant: Bridget Boyle, PhD Student, Department of Neuroscience, Blanco-Suarez lab
- Participant: Dr. Ali Calderon Aparicio, Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Radiation Oncology, Simon lab
- Participant: Msema Msackyi, PhD Student, Department of Neuroscience, Hahn lab
JCLS GSA Science Slam 2024
McDuffie - Winner
Crowther - Winner
Ghosh - Winner
Science Slam Participants
Science Slam Q&A
On March 23, 2023, the Jefferson College of Life Science's (JCLS) Graduate Student Association (GSA) and the Science Communication Series Organizing Committee partnered to hold the inaugural Science Slam at Venture Café in West Philadelphia.
Winners & Participants
- 1st Place Winner: Dr. Melissa Molho, Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Ramage lab
- 2nd Place Winner: Alexandra Ciuciu, PhD Student, Department of Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Tomlinson lab
- 3rd Place Winner: Sushrut Shah, PhD Student, Department of Integrative Physiology, Deshpande Lab
- Participant: Dr. Yolanda Gómez-Gálvez, Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Neuroscience, Iacovitti lab
- Participant: Tanvi Abhang, PhD Student, Department of Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine
