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Graduate Student Finalists
Graduate Student Finalists
From left to right: Steven Cho, Erin Cafferty, Collin Trace Anderson, Paul Cardon, Annabel Anyang, Fangfei (Flora) Ye, Christopher Long
Overview
Seven graduate student finalists (pictured above) presented their projects at the Utah SciComm Symposium, representing a range of creative approaches to science storytelling. Their submissions included comics, visual storytelling pieces, an animated lecture, and a short-form video designed for social media audiences.
These projects reflected months of dedicated work and refinement through mentorship and feedback from an expert judging panel. The presentations demonstrated not only scientific rigor but also a commitment to accessibility and public connection.
Attendees voted for an Audience Choice Award, further encouraging interaction and recognizing the importance of effective communication in science.
Evolution in the Elde Lab_CaffertyCho - Erin Cafferty.movThe Hidden History of Our Immune System
The Hidden History of Our Immune System
Erin Cafferty & Steven Cho
SciComm Hackathon Finalist & Winner
An animated video that brings evolutionary genetics to life through playful storytelling and cartoon visuals, revealing how ancient viral battles shaped our DNA and continue to influence modern immunity.
NBD2025_digitalversion - Christopher Long.pdfNational Biomechanics Day Mini-Comic
National Biomechanics Day Mini-Comic
Christopher Long
SciComm Hackathon Finalist & Audience Choice
A foldable comic that introduces biomechanics concepts (like sports and robotics) in a fun, accessible way, helping students discover diverse careers and research in motion science.
On The Spillover Trail By Annabel Anyang - Annabel Anyang.pdfOn the Spillover Trail: Molecular Evolution at the Host-Virus Interface
On the Spillover Trail: Molecular Evolution at the Host-Virus Interface
Annabel Anyang
SciComm Hackathon Finalist
A science comic following two graduate students on a metaphorical hike through viral evolution, using art and storytelling to make complex virology research approachable and engaging for all readers.
FZ Crystals Explainer CC - Paul Cardon.mp4How to Make Crystals That Don't Exist in Nature
How to Make Crystals That Don't Exist in Nature
Paul Cardon
SciComm Hackathon Finalist
A short video (meant to be used as a social media reel) that uses 3D modeling, motion graphics, and AI narration to show how scientists grow ultrahigh-purity crystals for next-generation electronics, highlighting the precision behind crystal-growth research.
The Structure of Crystalline Solids - Collin Andersen.mp4The Structure of Crystalline Solids
The Structure of Crystalline Solids
Collin Trace Anderson
SciComm Hackathon Finalist
A hand-animated educational video that humorously guides viewers through fundamental crystal structures, bridging the gap between flat textbook images and real 3D geometries.
GABA-Animation-final-FYe - Ye Fangfei.mp4Bringing Cutting-Edge Neuroscience to Life: A Biomedical Animation for All Audiences
Bringing Cutting-Edge Neuroscience to Life: A Biomedical Animation for All Audiences
Fangfei (Flora) Ye
SciComm Hackathon Finalist
A biomedical animation that visualizes hippocampal circuitry and inhibitory “brake” cells, transforming advanced neuroscience research into an engaging educational resource for all audiences.
Acknowledgements: This project was supported by the Research!America Public Engagement Content Awards and hosted at the Natural History Museum of Utah in partnership with the University of Utah.
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