$2,200 up for grabs in upcoming student research video competition

Are you studying the effects lunar dust might have on moon landings? Perhaps you have a better understanding of magnetoelastic biosensors for circulating cancer cell capture and detection? Or maybe you’ve researched data-enabled mesoscale models of self-assembly.

Regardless, you’re proud of your work and you want to show it off. But face-to-face presentations aren’t always possible. Why? Logistical challenges sometimes get in the way. Today’s technological advances, however, provide unique opportunities to share thoughts, ideas and sometimes even cutting-edge research.

Auburn Engineering’s Council of Engineering Graduate Students (CEGS) has a plan: provide a unique avenue that challenges students to not only sharpen their presenting skills through video messaging… but encourage researchers to get to the point.

The college’s first AUsome Science in 60 Seconds competition offers up to $2,200 in cash and prizes to the best – and most concise – student researchers, graduate and undergraduate, on video.

“The college’s annual Graduate Engineering Research Showcase is an excellent opportunity for students from all engineering disciplines to share their respective theories and ideas among one other and faculty members,” said Matthew Garnett, CEGS president. “This new competition, however, is much different. It provides students with the opportunity to sharpen their presentation skills via video. This skill might come in very handy one day when they’re presenting long distance to potential employers or others with a vested interest in their research.”

Students must record a video presentation using animation, simulation, diagrams, pictures, or even demonstrations explaining an overview of their respective study, but at a level where general audiences can understand. Judging will be based on engagement, illumination, creativity and understanding of the subject matter.

Registration opens January and video submissions will be due in March. Precise dates will be announced. For complete AUsome Science in 60 Seconds rules/regulations, contact Matthew Garnett at mtg0019@auburn.edu.