UCLA Undergraduate Research Week - Poster & Oral Presentations

So you've started completing all of your research, and now you're ready to share it with the world, but where the heck do you start! UCLA is fortunate enough to have a whole week dedicated to undergraduate research, where over one thousand students every year present posters and oral presentations. I presented both a poster and an oral presentation, so I thought I would share my experience and tips! 

Poster Sessions

So not to brag, but my poster did win the Dean's Prize for exceptional undergraduate research, so I've had great success! Also, these notes by no means cover everything you will need to know, these are just my biggest takeaways. 

1. Use powerpoint and set your slide size to whatever dimensions you will be printing your poster in to ensure your poster will print clearly. 

2. Make sure your images are of a high enough quality so they don't print pixelated. All images should be 300dpi. After going through all of your hard work and spending your money, you don't want a blurry finished product. 

3. Make sure your layout is clear with easily readable text, but don't be afraid to add your own personal touch to the design. If your university is like UCLA, they may provide you with a template, but switch it up. If you are being judged, part of what the judges are looking for is presentation and creativity. Don't let your poster look like everyone else's. 

4. Allow plenty of time to print your poster. I'd say allow at least two weeks, just in case something happens or if there is a longer turnaround period due to high demand. 

5. Personally, I recommend printing with a matte finish. I found glossy posters to be hard to read under the glare of lights. 

6. Double check your size limit and what kind of set up you will be presenting at. At UCLA, posters are pinned onto huge bulletin boards, so make sure not to back your poster with foam board. 

7. Practice giving your elevator speech about your research. If you're being judged, this is one of the most important parts. You should be able to share the key findings of your research and why it's important in a clear and understandable manner, even for someone outside of your field. Practice with anyone who is willing to listen. Being comfortable with this is key! 

Oral Presentations 

1. Know your time limit and practice. Find out whether your advisor wants you to read a paper or do a slide presentation. Since you'll most likely be presenting to a broad variety of people, practice presenting to everyone. Especially when it comes to answering questions since there will most likely be a Q&A at the end of your presentation. 

2. Know that if you are using a powerpoint in your presentation, you may be asked to submit your slides up to a couple of weeks before your actual presentation. So, don't procrastinate and know what your key points are well in advance. 

3. See if your campus provides practice sessions where you can get feedback from graduate student mentors. I can't stress how much practice helps with making you feel comfortable before you present. 

4. Smile! If you're nervous, take a breath, pull your shoulders back and smile. It seriously does wonders to make you feel more confident. 

General Tips 

1. If your university has an undergraduate research center, use it! I went to every single workshop I could and actually wish I had taken advantage of even more of their resources.

2. This may seem obvious but dress professionally. Think of these events as a networking event. You never know what connections you will make.

3. If you're asked a question during your poster session or Q&A that you don't know how to answer, remember it's perfectly fine to admit you don't know something! 

4. So cheesy, but have fun! You've worked so hard on your research and people love hearing about your passions so enjoy the process.

I hope some of these tips are helpful! Let me know in the comments if you have any other research-related questions. 

XO, 

Chloe