Use the resources below to retrieve information for your research
1. Identify key concepts and terms related to our topic area and use keywords. Avoid entering a full sentence for your search. Use the advanced search options if necessary.
2. Look for relevant articles by browsing your search results. In most databases, you will need to click on the title to read the article.
3. Filter your results, most databases have a filter menu on the the results page to apply filters to refine and narrow your search.
4. Save the articles you plan to use, by copying and pasting the citation or article's DOI.
5. Don't give up! Research takes practice, you will need to revise your search many times to get the results you want.
Most databases will have the appropriate citation done for you. You can simply copy and paste it to your works cited page. Below is the format, just in case...
Journal Article:
Format: Author's last name, Initial(s). (Year of publication). Title of the article. Journal Title, volume number (issue number), pages. DOI or URL
Example: Mustaly-Kalimi, S., Gallegos, W., Steinbrenner, D., Gupta, S., Houcek, A. J., Bennett, D. A., Marr, R. A., Peterson, D. A., Sekler, I., & Stutzmann, G. E. (2025). Mitochondrial dysfunction mediated by ER-calcium dysregulation in neurons derived from Alzheimer's disease patients. Acta Neuropathologica Communications, 13(1). http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40478-025-02023-x
When designing your slideshow
Follow the "less is more" principle. Overcrowding your slides is the quickest way to lose your audience. Keep the design clean and focused.
Embrace minimalism: Use plenty of white space and avoid busy backgrounds. Stick to a subtle, consistent theme.
Limit text: Put key phrases or the main idea on each slide, not full sentences or your entire script. A good rule of thumb is the 6x6 Rule: no more than six bullet points per slide and no more than six words per bullet point.
Use visuals effectively: Add high-quality images, charts, and graphs to illustrate concepts and grab attention. Make sure they are relevant and not just for decoration.
Choose readable fonts: Use a clear, sans-serif font like Arial or Helvetica. Use a large font size (at least 24 pt) so it can be easily read from the back of the room.
Ensure high contrast: For maximum readability, use a dark font on a light background or vice-versa.
During your presentation:
Rehearse thoroughly. Practice your presentation multiple times. Rehearsing in front of a mirror or a friend can help you get comfortable and smooth out awkward phrasing.
Project your voice: Speak clearly and slowly, projecting your voice so everyone can hear you without straining.
Make eye contact: Maintain eye contact with different members of the audience to build rapport and confidence.
Use effective body language: Stand up straight, use open gestures, and avoid fidgeting. Your body language communicates confidence.
Don't just read the slides: Your slides are visual aids for the audience, not cue cards for you. Practice speaking from your key points.
Engage your audience: Ask rhetorical questions, use interactive polls, or tell a personal story to make your presentation more engaging.