Grad Slam is a campus-wide competition that showcases the research of graduate students across several disciplines. In a short, clear, and engaging way students present on their research to those inside and outside the academic community.

Here’s what Jenna had to say about her experience thus far: “As we know from psychology research, public speaking can pretty reliably start up our stress response. I decided to compete in Grad Slam to build my confidence and skills in public speaking. I also really wanted to challenge myself to communicate my research to people outside of my field of study. This is really crucial skill-building for any psychologist who wants their research to have a broader impact! The experience has been equal parts challenging and rewarding, and one of the most rewarding parts has been connecting with other graduate students who study all sorts of amazing things all over UCLA’s campus.”

We’re so proud of Jenna and hope she will move forward in the competition as a finalist!

One of our wonderful DiSH Research Assistants, Sam Xiong, just completed UCLA’s Psychology Research Opportunities Program (PROPS)! PROPS helps prepare students to begin careers in research and involves weekly seminars covering graduate school, careers in academia, and research opportunities in various fields of psychology. As a part of the PROPS program, Sam got the chance to work with DiSH Graduate Student Anthony Rodriguez (who recently became DR. Anthony Rodriguez!), as well as to work with DiSH Graduate Student Laura Finch and Lab Manager Erin Standen.

Find out what Sam has to say about his PROPS experience:

“PROPS was such a phenomenal program! It taught me how to ask the right questions, meet the right people, become resourceful, and push myself out of my comfort zone. Coming from a first generation family and not having any real exposure to anyone who could provide me guidance about the process of getting into graduate school, I was not really sure how I was going to get into graduate school or if I would even like it. PROPS provided me with graduate/faculty panels, professional workshops, and class assignments to further develop my understanding of how to get into graduate school, if graduate school was for me, and the objective pros/cons of graduate school. Additionally, I was really amazed by how much the people who were in charge of the program really cared about my own personal growth and development throughout the program. PROPS has been one of my biggest professional/personal influences here at UCLA in regards to helping me better understand the limitless possibilities out there for me and that there are a lot of people out there willing to help, if you just ask.”

Here’s a photo of Dr. T. and Sam at his PROPS Ceremony: