The most successful scientists can describe their research succinctly and without jargon, allowing them to convey to patients, research participants, journalists, philanthropists and policy makers why their work matters. The UCSF Grad Slam offers UCSF students the chance to begin learning how to explain their work this way.

Global health sciences PhD student Lucia Abascal, MD, was encouraged to participate by her dissertation advisor, Margaret Handley, PhD, a professor of epidemiology and co-director of the PRISE Center. Much of Handley’s work has focused on making research studies more responsive to participants’ needs, so she understands the importance plain English can play in improving health.

Read more on the Institute for Global Health Sciences website.