Hannah Jones is a PhD student in the Department of Life Sciences.

What was it like preparing for, and talking at, the annual FoNS Research Showcase?

I found it a bit of a challenge preparing a talk for this event. Knowing how broad the audience would be, I was a bit worried that it would be difficult to convey the parts of my research which are a bit more abstract. I also found it difficult to decide exactly what I wanted to include from all the work I have done so far in my project. I feel like the experience encouraged me to think of better ways to explain what I am doing and where I am going with the project.

Why are opportunities like this important?

I think these experiences are very important. Not only does it push you to be a better communicator, but it also gives you an opportunity to reflect on what you have done and try and think how you can make others as interested as you are in the research. I also think we all enjoy the competitive aspect a little bit, too.

Got any helpful advice for fellow students about giving an academic talk?

I think my advice would be to practice explaining your research to as many different people as possible. I spent a lot of time getting feedback from friends, family and colleagues on my presentation and it really enabled me to not only frame the story better but also understand how I could explain the work in a more accessible way.

Watch Hannah's Showcase talk

Hannah Jones (PhD student, Department of Life Sciences): Rebound sleep in Drosophila: can your social life affect your ability to stay up all night?

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