Irvine, Calif. – The University of California Irvine will host its ninth annual Grad Slam competition at the Edwards Lifesciences campus on March 9.
Part of UCI’s Graduate Division, Grad Slam is a systemwide competition that showcases and awards the best three-minute research presentations by graduate scholars.
The in-person competition not only highlights the excellence, importance, and relevance of UCI graduate scholars and their research, but it’s also designed to increase graduate students’ communication skills.
In the competition, graduate students master the ability to effectively present their work with poise and confidence. It’s also an opportunity to share accomplishments with the campus, friends of UCI, the local community, and the broader public.
Cie is a venture studio that serves as an innovation lab and accelerator for bold entrepreneurs who want to transform disruptive ideas into thriving ventures. It will be the Second Place Sponsor of the event. In addition, founder and CEO Anderee Berengian will serve as a judge.
With more than 20 years of experience steering corporate and product strategy, Berengian is an accomplished entrepreneur, technologist, and investor passionate about driving progress through digital innovation. At Cie, Berengian is responsible for building a world-class execution-focused team and growing Cie’s digital transformation ideas into sustainable, profitable companies.
“We’re so excited to partner with such an innovative company like CIE,” said Gillian Hayes, Vice Provost for Graduate Education at UCI Irvine. “Like our graduate students, CIE not only develops ideas, but also puts them into action. Anderee and his company are the perfect partners for this event.”
Grad Slam winners receive cash prizes up to $11,000 and a competitive resume line.
Presentation clarity and effectiveness for a general university audience is strongly considered in the judging process.
“I’ve been involved with Grad Slam and the UCI Graduate Division for several years now and I can honestly say I look forward to the event every year,” said Berengian. “Having served as a judge before, I’ve been able to get a first-hand look at some of these impressive scholars and their innovative ideas. I’m thrilled to support Grad Slam once again this year.”
For more information on the event, please contact Raslyn Rendon at rrendon@uci.edu.
About the University of California, Irvine
Founded in 1965, UCI is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities and is ranked among the nation’s top 10 public universities by U.S. News & World Report. The campus has produced five Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 36,000 students and offers 224 degree programs. It’s located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $7 billion annually to the local economy and $8 billion statewide. For more on UCI, visit www.uci.edu.