Five graduate students rose to the challenge of explaining their research in just five minutes at Research Lightning Talks: Big Ideas Demystified during the inaugural Cornell Volunteer Summit on Oct. 16.
Inspired by the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, the session invited students to share what they’re working on with volunteers and alumni in attendance. In addition to having two extra minutes, presenters were able to use multiple slides and animations to convey their complex topics.
“We wanted to showcase graduate students because they’re essential to Cornell’s research mission,” said Ilana Dimbleby, director of engagement initiatives and college/unit partnerships in Alumni Affairs and Development and one of the event’s organizers. “Illustrating the breadth of disciplines and discoveries for alumni deepens their understanding of the student experience at all levels.”
Sharing the stage with several others was Zander Lynch, linguistics doctoral candidate in the College of Arts and Sciences.
“It’s a great way to practice sharing our ideas, practice teaching them, and remember that we are not just here to solve funny little puzzles, but we’re actually here to improve knowledge more generally,” said Lynch of the decision to participate.
Read the full story on the Cornell University Graduate School website.
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