The 2025 Grad Slam Final Round

Welcome to the 2025 Grad Slam Showcase Final Round!

Grad Slam is an annual event that spotlights the amazing research being done by our campus’ graduate students. Students present the central points of their projects in a clear, direct, and engaging manner for a diverse audience.

Join us at 4:30 p.m. on April 3rd in UCSB's Campbell Hall to hear our finalists' present their talks and vote for your favorite in the People's Choice award.

Program Overview  |  Meet the Finalists  |  Judging Panel  |  Thank You to Our Sponsors  |  Campus Partners

Program Overview

  • Opening Remarks from Interim Anne and Michael Towbes Graduate Dean Leila Rupp
  • Finalist Presenter Talks
  • Group Q&A
  • People’s Choice Voting
  • Announcement of Winners
  • Closing Remarks

MEET OUR 2025 FINAL ROUND PRESENTERS

FINAL ROUND JUDGES

Dr. Miroslava Chavez-Garcia

Professor of History & Affiliate in Chicana/o, Feminist, and Iberian/Latin American Studies, Faculty Director for the McNair Scholars Program

Dr. Cherie Briggs

Mellichamp Chair and Professor in EEMB, BMSE, CBE

Terri Dowen

Senior Vice President of Sales, Yardi

Macey Hartmann

2024 Undergraduate Research Slam Champion and Bren Environmental Studies Fellow

Dr. Milan Minksy

VP of Product, Leela AI, UCSB Graduate Dean's Cabinet

Liz Montaño

Chief Operating Officer at Gotham FC, UCSB Graduate Dean's Cabinet

Royce Olarte

2024 Grad Slam Runner-Up and Doctoral Candidate in the Department of Education

Dr. Krystal Onyekwuluje

Student Initiatives & Strategic Partnerships Coordinator, Bren School of Environmental Science & Management

Randy Rowse

Mayor of Santa Barbara

Dr. Carrie Towbes

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL SPONSORS

Premier Sponsor

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Yardi logo

Champion Sponsors

Dr. Carrie Towbes & Dr. John Lewis
Lopker Family Foundation
 

Medalist Sponsors

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HRL logo
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Tri Valley Logo

 

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SB Independent Logo

Campus Partners, Workshop Facilitators, and Staff Organizers

Campus Sponsors

Alumni Affairs
Career Service
Counseling and Psychological Services
Graduate Student Association
Office of the Chancellor
Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor
Office of Research
Student Affairs
UCSB Library
College of Letters and Sciences
Bren School
College of Engineering
Gevirtz Graduate School of Education
Division of Mathematical, Life, and Physical Sciences
Division of Social Sciences
Dean of Humanities and Fine Arts

Grad Slam Workshop Facilitators

Julien Brun
UCSB Library Research Data Services Earth & Environmental Sciences Research Facilitator

Renata Curty
UCSB Library Research Data Services Social Sciences Research Facilitator

Gina Genova 
UCSB Writing Program Continuing Lecturer

Greg Janée 
UCSB Library Research Data Services Director

Bri McWhorter
Founder, Activate to Captivate

Kenny Smith
UCSB Writing Program Continuing Lecturer

Graduate Division Staff

Dr. Leila Rupp (Interim Anne and Michael Towbes Graduate Dean)
Robert Hamm (Assistant Graduate Dean)
Jin Sook Lee (Associate Graduate Dean)
Dr. Dar Roberts (Associate Graduate Dean)
John Lofthus (Assistant Dean of Development)
Walter Boggan (Admissions, Outreach, & Diversity Director)
Mallarie Stevens (Associate Director of Graduate Admissions)
Michele Johnson (Diversity Initiatives & UC LEADS Systemwide Director)
Dr. Carlos Nash (Diversity Programs Director)
Mary Michael (Diversity Peer)
Ashley Bradbury (Director of Academic Services)
Karen Van Gool (​​Assistant Director, Outreach)
Ryan Sims (Associate Director of Academic Services)
Ruby Gutierrez (Assistant Director of Academic Services)
Anna Theogarajan (Professional Development Director)
Grace Kimball (Assistant Director of Professional Development)
Sathvika Anand (International Peer Advisor)
Liliana Garcia (Funding Peer Advisor)
Maya Hargens (Assistant Director of Graduate Career Education)
Elise Dauterive (Career Peer Advisor)
Alex Eleazar (Career Peer Advisor)
Marge Pamintuan-Perko (Marketing & Communications Director)
Jayline Naranjo Lagunas (Marketing & Communications Student Assistant)
Avery Bowen (Graduate Communication Peer)
Amber Shelor (Finance and Administration Manager)
Misti Schilling (Development Assistant)