Postdoctoral researchers from Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia, National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Air Force Research Laboratory took center stage at the third annual Rio Grande SLAM on Oct. 31. The competition challenged participants to distill their complex research into engaging three-minute presentations, making science accessible to all.
Postdoctoral researchers Michelle Bester, Alex Boehm and Daniel Vigil represented Sandia at the SLAM.
Michelle Bester: Decoding the Canopy
Michelle Bester took third place at the SLAM for her talk “Decoding the Canopy.” She discussed the alarming increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires over the past decade, with recent fires in New Mexico causing more than $1.2 billion in damage and displacing over 8,000 people. A significant factor contributing to these fires is the electric grid, where interactions between power lines and vegetation can spark fires, threatening critical infrastructure.
Presenting complex research in a limited time frame can be a daunting task, as Michelle discovered while preparing for the SLAM competition.
“The most challenging aspect of presenting my research in a SLAM format was creating a concise and engaging script that could be understood by a diverse audience in just three minutes with only one visual aid,” she said. “Balancing content and delivery were the hardest part.”
Alex Boehm: Beyond silicon
Alex Boehm’s presentation, “Beyond Silicon: The Next Generation of Electronics,” explored the future of technology. He highlighted the national security risks posed by the U.S. reliance on foreign silicon, the backbone of modern electronics. Alex introduced promising alternatives, such as 2D materials, which are ultra-thin and poised to revolutionize the electronics industry. His research aims to integrate these materials into practical devices, fostering technological independence.
“Communicating technical scientific concepts to nonexperts is a crucial skill for early-career researchers,” Alex said. “Events with constrained formats help us refine these skills and offer valuable low-stakes opportunities for experience and feedback.”
Daniel Vigil: Innovations in battery technology
Daniel Vigil presented his research titled “Lithium-ion batteries are flammable, but polymer electrolytes may help.” He explained how solid polymer electrolytes offer greater stability and mechanical properties compared to traditional liquid electrolytes. By mixing self-assembled polymer electrolytes with a small amount of liquid electrolyte, his team developed new materials that enhance lithium-ion conductivity. They also used computer simulations to uncover the mechanisms behind this improved performance.
“The event helps presenters hone the ability to communicate complicated science at a level comprehensible to the public and motivates early-career researchers to share their work,” he said.
A platform for innovation and collaboration
The Rio Grande Research SLAM, initiated by Academic Programs postdoctoral lead Tracie Durbin in partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, and New Mexico Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, or EPSCoR, showcases the innovative spirit of the research community.
“The SLAM not only highlights groundbreaking work across diverse fields but also fosters engagement and knowledge sharing, ultimately driving progress and inspiring the next generation of researchers,” Tracie said.
This year’s event not only celebrated innovative research but also emphasized the importance of effective communication in science. By challenging participants to summarize complex ideas into concise presentations, the SLAM encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing that is essential to advance science and technology.
As the Rio Grande Research SLAM continues to grow, it invites more researchers to participate, share their discoveries and engage with the community. This event is a testament to the power of communication in science and its role in shaping a brighter future for all.