LoboBITES graduate student contest set for Nov. 14

The university community is invited to the annual LoboBITES competition on Nov. 14, where some of UNM's best graduate students compete for cash prizes.

LoboBITES will be held 4-6 p.m. in the Student Union Building Ballroom C.

This annual showcase - now part of Research and Discovery Week - focuses on research communication skills using a unique format. Ten finalists will make three-minute presentations - each using a single slide or visual - while vying to present their research findings clearly and persuasively for a public audience.

"This is a fun way to learn about the research and creative works of our talented graduate students," said Maria Lane, dean of Graduate Studies.

President Garnett S. Stokes will provide the event welcome, and all presentations will be judged by a panel of prominent community members, including Tammy Fiebelkorn, Albuquerque City Council member for District 7; Grant Harris, chief of biological sciences, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, southwest region; Megan Kamerick, news director at KUNM; Elizabeth Kistin Keller, executive advisor at Los Alamos National Laboratory, Center for National Security and International Studies; and Mari Simbaña, Bernalillo County open space manager.

The first- and second-place awards come with $1,000 and $750 prizes, respectively.

Those in attendance will also be able to vote for a "people's choice" award, which comes with a $500 prize. Dean of Students Nasha Torrez will present the awards after scores are tallied around 5:30 p.m., and Graduate Studies will provide a reception to celebrate the contestants.

LoboBITES is part of Graduate Studies' celebration of graduate research. In February, the spotlight on graduate research continues with a graduate research poster showcase.

For more information, visit LoboBITES competition.