The winners of Grad Slam Round Nine, who will advance to the Semifinals, are Samantha Davis of Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Biology; and Michael Zakrewsky of Chemical Engineering. Credit: Patricia Marroquin
Judges for Round Nine were, from left, Chuck Bazerman, Laura Lambert, and Ben Zhao. Credit: Patricia MarroquinFriday, April 11, 11 a.m. to noon, Student Resource Building Multipurpose Room.
Here is what you may have missed at the seventh round of the Grad Slam.
Overview
The Glad Slam features three-minute presentations of student research.
The top two presenters from the preliminary round advance to the Semifinal round (and the top four receive $50 gift cards for the UCSB bookstore).
Hala’s Picks
Bren student Eric Edwards used a soda bottle with three straws in it to demonstrate open access. Credit: Patricia MarroquinMost Calm: Samantha Davis
Best Use of Props: Eric Edwards
Best Dance Moves: Daniel Ervin
Best Shoes and Socks: Brian J. Griffith
Best Use of Coconut Oil: Michael Zakrewsky
Fastest: Michael Zakrewsky (2:48)
Best Personal Story: Michele N. Zugnoni
Judges’ Picks
Samantha Davis (advances to Semifinal round)
Michael Zakrewsky (advances to Semifinal round)
Daniel Ervin
Eric Edwards
Presentation Summaries
Samantha Davis focused on disappearing coral reefs. Credit: Patricia MarroquinCoral Reef Recovery...or Not?, Samantha Davis, Ecology, and Marine Biology
Samantha discussed how coral reefs are disappearing due to a variety of threats and disturbances, such as tropical storms, thermal bleaching, and coral-eating predators. Samantha pointed out that by 2030, 60% of coral reefs will be lost, and that future generations would not have a chance to see these beautiful ocean coral reefs. Coral reefs can be recovered, but recently, the speed of recovery has been slow. Samantha explained that reefs are lacking resilience, which is the "ability to resist change and recover from disturbance." Specifically, reefs have lost resilience due to macro-algaes taking up space in the ocean. Currently, only a few fish eat these macro algaes, but due to overfishing of these fish, balancing the ecosystem is at risk. In her research, Samantha examines the reefs in Moorea, French Polynesia to find out the critical processes that determine whether a coral reef will be able to recover after a disturbance.
Economic Incentives in Collective Groundwater Management, Eric Edwards, Bren
Eric's research focuses on how to reduce the overexploitation of openly accessed groundwater through more effective management at the institutional level. He discussed the economics of groundwater, and how the availability of groundwater, which is used as a resource for irrigation and drinking, could be at risk. With changing precipitation patterns due to climate change, Eric calls for protection of this valuable resource. Moreover, his research in Kansas, which involves a heterogeneous aquifer and has faster water movement, has showed positive signs of effective management.
Daniel Ervin of Geography did a little dance during his three-minute talk. Credit: Patricia Marroquin
Cheeseburgers, Central Americans, and Carbon 12: One New Technique for Two Old Problems, Daniel Ervin, Geography
Daniel presented his dissertation project on using Stable Isotope Ratio Analysis (SIRA), a geological technique, to help track people's daily diets. His target population is Latino immigrants in California, and he plans to conduct surveys about their health, diet, exercise, etc. Further, by using SIRA, he plans to count the carbon-12 intake (e.g., corn and sugar cane) and nitrogen-15 (e.g., animal products). His research aims to provide an alternative way to measure people's diet to help maintain a healthy body and lifestyle.
Bringing Bacchus to the People: Viti-Viniculture, Autarky, and Mass Spectacle in Fascist Italy, 1922 - 1945, Brian J. Griffith, History
Brian's research is about examining the roles played by Italy's table grape- an
Brian Griffith spoke about his research into the table grape and wine production industries from the 1920s to 1940s. Credit: Patricia Marroquind wine-production industries within Italian Fascism's efforts. These efforts were made to develop a widespread sense of national belonging in both Italy and its colonies, and to establish a synchronized community of consumption under the auspices of the Fascist state. Brian hypothesizes that by promoting Italy's enological heritage through its various programs and popular outreaches, such as the National Festival of the Grape, Italians will be encouraged to consume domestic Italian grapes and wines, as well as strengthen and solidify their ethnic and regional identities, traditions, and cultures.
New Arsenal of Materials for Combating Antibiotic Resistant Bacterial Infections, Michael Zakrewsky, Chemical Engineering
Michael presented a new alternative solution to treating bacterial infections, such as chronic wounds and acnes. He discussed how bacterias can form tumors in human bodies, and how current treatment using antibiotics have been questioned due to many side effects. His research explores the use of table salt (sodium chloride), Vitamin B, and coconut oil, as an alternative way to treat bacterial infection, starting at the skin level, which he claims as more effectiv
Michele Zugnoni told the audience that creativity saved her. Credit: Patricia Marroquin
e than many chemicals. He is hopeful that in a few years, this alternative method will be open to the market, delivering a safer way to treat bacteria.
Levels of Alienation: Assessing the Effects of a Creative Writing Program on a Population of Incarcerated Adolescent Boys, Michele N. Zugnoni, Education
Michele shared about how creative writing and self-reflection can help empower many incarcerated adolescent boys, who feel alienated from society. Her project seeks to understand the level of alienation of 20 adolescent males and to promote "healing" by adapting a self-reflective writing program, which involves poetry, essay, song, and short story writing tasks. Michele hopes to increase knowledge of the influence of creativity on the perceptions of alienation among adolescents labeled “delinquent.”
For information on other events, visit the Graduate Student Showcase 2014 page.
Previous Grad Slam 2014 coverage
Grad Slam Round One Recap: Topics Range From Hearts to Handprints, Liberia to Light
Grad Slam Round Two Recap: Music and Poetry and Yoga, Oh My :-)
Grad Slam Round Three Recap: Clapping, Compost, Kids' Music, and More
Grad Slam Round Four Recap: Everyone's a Winner
Grad Slam Round Five Recap: Sex, Drugs, and Lasers
Grad Slam Round Six Recap: Writing, Repatriation, the Rural Midwest, and More
Grad Slam Round Seven Recap: Fog, Flow, Fathers, and More
Grad Slam Round Eight Recap: Speakers Take Audience Into a Cloud, Under Water, Across West Africa
While the judges deliberated, Round Nine competitors answered questions not only from the audience members, but also from one another. Credit: Patricia Marroquin