Westridge Students Practice Scientific Presentation Skills During Lunchtime Research Talks



Every Wednesday, you can find a group of Upper School students gathered to hear from a Research in Science student about their research and lab work—an important tool to practice oral presentation and writing skills. This week, students heard from Reema R. ’23 about flexible knowledge assembly in humans, the topic of her lab work with researchers at Occidental College (whom she is assisting as part of the Westridge Research in Science class).

Oral presentation, Upper School Science Teacher Dr. Ryan Skophammer explained, is one of the primary modes in which scientists communicate their findings. It can be done formally at places such as conferences and invited talks or informally at group meetings or during progress updates. “My opinion is that anyone who wants to study scientific research must receive direct instruction on oral presentation of research results and must practice their skills,” he said, adding that these skills will be useful in a variety of academic and professional disciplines.

In Research in Science, which is taught by Skophammer, students participate in hands-on research opportunities with universities and research institutions. Students work with a professional researcher who acts as their mentor from their respective institution to decide on a project topic. This year’s talks so far also include: “The Developmental Trajectory of Neural Crest Cells and Cranial Placodes in Zebrafish,” “Existence of Orthokinesis in C. elegans,” and “CVM cell migration in Drosophila development.”

Westridge School, 324 Madeline Drive, Pasadena, (626) 799-1053 ext. 200 or visit www.westridge.org.

 

 

 

 

 

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