Maci Mueller
 

Name:
Maci Mueller

​Program and Degree: 
Animal Biology, Master's, 2nd Year

Research Interests: 
Animal Genomics and Biotechnology

Grad Slam Presentation Title:
Mess with the Bull - Don't get the Horns: Gene-Editing to Improve Animal Welfare

You're a Grad Slam finalist for the second year in a row! What motivated you to return to the competition?
Last year was such a great learning and growing experience that I wanted to compete again. With only three minutes to explain an entire thesis, Grad Slam is a unique way to practice and improve science communication skills.

How has your presentation and your presentation style changed over the past year?
The biggest change to my presentation this year is I now have my own results to share. Last year I was just starting my project, so I could only explain the goals of the project. However, this year I have actual results that I am very excited to share.

Other than your own, which presentation in your Qualifying Round time slot impressed you the most?
My qualifying round was full of great competition and research. I was most impressed by fellow finalist, Tooka's talk on how including an oral check-up in regular medical exams could be beneficial to public health. I loved her enthusiasm for the topic!

If you could give one piece of advice for your fellow finalists, what would it be?
Don't be afraid to show your enthusiasm for your topic and don't forget to smile.

Are you #TeamMaci?
Check out her 2017 Finalist Profile, and cheer her on at the April 5 UC Davis Grad Slam Finals. The event is free and open to the public, but seats are limited so reserve your ticket via Eventbrite today.

About Grad Slam

UC Grad Slam is an annual contest in which master’s and Ph.D. students across UC campuses – in disciplines ranging from hard sciences to humanities – compete to sum up their research for a general audience. Students should present the significance and fundamental points of their work at UC Davis in a clear, direct, and interesting manner.

Participants are judged on how well they engage the audience, how clearly they communicate key concepts and how effectively they focus and present their ideas—all in three minutes or less.

Grad Slam contests are held on each of UC’s 10 campuses from February through May. The first place winners from each campus will square off to capture the systemwide title and their share of $10,000 in prize money.

For more information on the competition, visit grad.ucdavis.edu/gradslam.