If I were to give this week’s blog a title, it would be “Abstracts Done, Posters Begun: The Art of Making Science Look Good.” This week was all about finalizing my abstract and planning how to approach my poster.

On Tuesday, I spent the early part of the day learning about poster design. Having never created a poster before, it was fascinating to see how they are crafted and to understand the psychology behind influencing perception through visuals. I learned about the importance of using more images over words and choosing color schemes that attract or guide the viewer’s attention. Once this session was complete, I went home to tie up loose ends on my project.

On Thursday, I met with my mentor to discuss how I would execute my poster. She shared an example of her previous work, which provided valuable insights and inspiration. I asked her several questions about her approach, gaining practical tips on layout, content organization, and effective communication of key points. This mentorship session was instrumental in shaping my strategy and boosting my confidence as I prepared to start my poster.

Friday was the highlight of the week. I presented my project at the BRC building to Dr. Faiza and a few other colleagues. It was enlightening to hear about the diverse projects others were working on and to receive feedback from Dr. Faiza. Her constructive criticism on how to improve my delivery and make my presentation more engaging was invaluable as I prepare for the symposium. This feedback session was pivotal in honing my presentation skills, ensuring I am well-prepared for the upcoming event.

Overall, Week 8 was a productive period of learning and growth. I refined my abstract, gained new insights, and received critical feedback to enhance my presentation abilities. I am now more confident and prepared to start my poster and present my work effectively at the symposium.