The Graduate Student Research Seminar brings together students from all the Graduate Programs in Molecular Biosciences on a weekly basis to learn about the science conducted by their colleagues. Students reflect on and synthesize their research progress over the previous year and practice public speaking to a broad scientific audience. Students in the audience are exposed to the array of techniques and approaches used by their colleagues, and have the opportunity to ask questions in a comfortable environment.
As a speaker, the opportunity to present in a friendly and constructive environment is a great way to prepare for delivering presentations at regional and national scientific meetings, or to a prospective post-doc advisor or employer. Audience members learn about the science, approaches, techniques, and ideas of their fellow students.
Research presentations are delivered by students in their second year and beyond. Each week, two students give 25-minute oral presentations with slides. Students are asked to provide context for their research project, describe their progress and future goals, and field questions from the audience.
Thesis advisors are expected to attend, and students are strongly encouraged to invite members of their thesis committees to their talks.