Metabolic biology PhD student Adélaïde Bernard was awarded first place in the UC Berkeley Grad Slam in April for her presentation titled, “Hungry Unicorns: How Antennas in Your Neurons Control Appetite.” Grad Slam is a UC-sponsored competitive speaking event designed to showcase graduate student research in three-minute talks pitched to a general audience.
On Friday, May 7th, Bernard will compete against graduate student peers from other campuses at the UC-wide championship competition. This livestreamed event will be emceed by UC President Michael V. Drake. Competitors will be judged by notable leaders in industry, government, and media. The top three prizes at the UC-systemwide competition are $1,000 (people’s choice), $2,000 (third place), $4,000 (second place), and $7,000 for the winner of the prestigious UCOP Grad Slam “Slammy” award.
A sixth-year PhD student from Belgium, Bernard studies how cells in the brain sense energy status and modulate hunger and weight gain. Her presentation at the UC Berkeley Grad Slam event can be viewed below.