THIBODAUX, La. — Nicholls State University students will be tested on their ability to effectively communicate scientific research regarding coastal Louisiana during a competition hosted by Louisiana Sea Grant.

The public competition, titled “Coastal Connections,” challenges students to concisely communicate their research in three minutes or less, with no more than two Powerpoint slides. Three winners will receive $500 travel awards to attend conferences that align with their research.

Students submit their research to Louisiana Sea Grant, and a panel will select the finalists to present their research at 4 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 29 at the Wetlands Acadia Cultural Center located at Jean Lafitte National Park.

“It’s important for our students, who are scientists-in-training, to practice explaining their science to the public and why our research involving coastal issues is important,” said Dr. Aimee Hollander, assistant professor of biological sciences.

Competitors will be judged on their ability to capture an audience’s attention, quickly and effectively communicate the significance of their research and if their presentation will leave the audience with new information.

The three judges are Dr. Virginia Schutte, social media director for the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium; Susan Testroet-Bergeron, program director at the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program; and Dr. Jay Clune, Nicholls president.

The event is free and open to the public.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 2, 2018

CONTACT: Jacob Batte, Media Relations and Publications Coordinator, 985.448.4141 or jacob.batte@www.nicholls.edu