As summer is coming to an end, I am excited to begin preparing for my poster presentation at the President’s Showcase in October. This will not be my first time presenting a poster on my project; last spring, I had the opportunity to talk about my work at the CS Expo hosted by the Department of Computer Science at FSU. This experience allowed me to present my research to an audience well-versed in the technical aspects of computer science. However, at the President’s Showcase, instead of speaking to an audience specific to my field, I will be communicating my research to the general public.
Bridging the gap between technical concepts and public understanding can be challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. I am eager to share my research in a way that is both accessible and engaging. I hope to convey the process of cancer evolution and highlight the critical role of computational biology in advancing our understanding of this disease. By explaining how my computational tool can aid in the development of cancer treatments, I also wish to illustrate the wider implications and potential of this interdisciplinary approach. Engaging with a broad audience will allow me to refine my communication skills, ensuring that the impact of my work can be understood by a diverse audience. I also hope that my work will serve as an inspiration for younger students.
In my freshman year, I was interested in research but uncertain about how to get started. On a whim, I decided to attend an undergraduate research poster session. There, I engaged with undergraduate researchers who were already immersed in their projects. Listening to their experiences and learning about the research they were conducting at FSU was eye-opening, providing me with valuable insights and giving me the confidence to begin my own research journey. By sharing my experiences and the challenges I have overcome over the summer, I can clarify the research process and make it more accessible to prospective researchers. Through this, I hope to spark a lasting interest in research and encourage them to take the first step toward their own academic and scientific adventures.
Finally, not only am I excited to share my own work, but I am also looking forward to engaging with fellow IDEA Grant awardees and attendees at the President’s Showcase. There, I will no doubt be exposed to many innovative, creative ideas across a variety of fields. Interacting with people from diverse backgrounds will provide a unique opportunity for me to gain new perspectives and insights that can greatly enrich my own research. A conversation with a fellow researcher from a completely different field might introduce me to new methods or concepts that I could adapt in my own work. In short, I can’t wait for the President’s Showcase to arrive, I am confident that it will be a valuable experience for everyone, presenters and attendees alike.
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