Chalk Talks

Lunch Hour Chalk Talks

To develop presentation skills for diverse audiences, DEB students are encouraged to give at least one Chalk Talk (in person) during pursuit of their degree. Chalk Talks are given by one or two DEB students (no PowerPoint or electronic media - white board and markers) during the noon hour and lunch is provided.

Chalk Talk audiences generally include the presenter's faculty PI (will introduce their DEB student), other DEB students and faculty from a range of disciplines, the presenters' lab members, Biotech Program personnel, and any invited special guests. These lunch hour events serve as "uber-lab-meetings" for the DEB community, allowing for cross-disciplinary brainstorming on research techniques and experimental approaches. Invitations to present are circulated on a quarterly basis to the DEB listserv by Biotech Program Manager, Jacki Balderama (jbalderama@ucdavis.edu). DEB students may contact her at any time to sign up. Chalk Talks are typically held in room 1022 Green Hall.

Chalk Talk Format

DEB student participants will be provided with dry erase markers and after their faculty member introduction, asked to narrate a lecture on their dissertation research via traditional academic "board work" (drawing images and graphs, making lists of key points and terminology). Students may have notes available for reference but are encouraged to give a "free style" lecture with audience interaction. Timing for a typical ~25 min Chalk Talk lunchtime session:

1) 5 min: Audience members sign in and pick up their provided lunch (usually pizza or sandwiches). The presenting DEB student's faculty PI introduces the student and gives a short verbal synopsis of the overall research focus of the laboratory

2) 15 min: DEB student presenter introduces their project and illustrates key findings on the board

3) 5 min: Q/A from the audience

If a second student is presenting, we'll repeat steps 1-3. If not, we may have more time for the Q/A and other discussions.