Chalk Talks

Chalk Talks and Research Round-Ups

To develop presentation skills for diverse audiences, DEB Students are encouraged to give at least one Chalk Talk (in person) or Research Round-Up (online webinar) during pursuit of their degree. Chalk Talks are given without the aid of PowerPoint or other electronic media, while Research Round-Ups provide an opportunity to develop and present ~2-3 infographic slides via webinar.  In both cases, the presenter's faculty PI is invited to introduce their DEB student and all other DEB students and faculty are invited as audience members, as well as the presenter's lab members and other special guests.  Whether in-person or via webinar, these activities serve as "uber-lab-meetings" for DEB community, allowing for cross-disciplinary brainstorming on research techniques and experimental approaches.  Up to two DEB students may give research talks on open dates.  Invitations to present are circulated on a quarterly basis to the DEB listserv.  DEB students may email Biotech Program Manager, Jacki Balderama (jbalderama@ucdavis.edu) anytime to indicate interest and be added to a presenter waiting list. Chalk Talks are typically held in room 1022 Life Sciences, while Research Round-Ups are currently held on Zoom. 

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.

Research Round-Up Format and Tips

DEB student participants will be asked to develop infographic presentations of no more than 3 slides to serve as a visual backdrop for their narrative Research Round-Up presentation. Instructions for the 25 min Research Round-Up webinar session:
 
1) 5 min:  Faculty member introduces the student and gives a ~2-3 minute verbal synopsis of the overall research focus of the laboratory
2) 15 min: Student presenter introduces their project and shares their laptop screen so that all can see their research project infographic slides (limit 3)
3) 5 min: Q/A from the Zoom 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.
 
Three infographic slides should be primarily comprised of images, with limited text/labels (~12pt-16pt font for readability) and provide a point a reference for the key elements of the DEB student presenter's research project: 1) rationale/research questions; 2) experimental design/methods; and, 3) results to date.  The Research Round-Up narration should provide most of the details and the infographic slides should be used to drive home main points.  
 
Infographics may contain data visualizations, but should not be limited to data displays (e.g. graphs or tables) - make sure to tell a story with each slide.  There are many online tips for making science infographics.  Use the search term "science infographic" to find beautiful examples. Two groups that excel at making infographics for science communication in biotechnology are the American Chemical Society and Biofortified.