Excellence in Communication and English Language Skills Program (ExCELS)
The Excellence in Communication and English Language Skills (ExCELS) Program for graduate students, based on the program of the same name for Postdocs, focuses on developing communication and presentation skills for PhD students.
Sessions are designed to help non-dominant English speaking graduate students enhance their English presentation skills and overall presentation confidence. Students will work in small groups with postdocs who will provide coaching and feedback.
During the final presentation session, participants will have the option to have their presentation considered for an award by a panel of judges. Cash prizes will be awarded for those with the top-rated presentations.
The Winter 2025 program consists of four required sessions. The program schedule is included below. Due to the nature of this program, space is limited.
Students who are selected for the program will be required to attend all four sessions and participate fully in all workshops.
Friday, January 24, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Breakfast will be available at 9:30 a.m.
Why is Science Communication Important?
Break
Functional Movement and Speaking
Personal Reflections and Lunch
Friday, January 31, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Breakfast will be available at 9:30 a.m.
Fundamentals of Great Science Communication
Break
Small Group Presentations
Group Reflections and Lunch
Friday, February 7, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Breakfast will be available at 9:30 a.m.
Tips and Tricks: Revising Your Presentation
Presentation Practice and Group Feedback
Breakout Session With Postdoc Mentors and Lunch
Friday, February 14, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Breakfast will be available at 9:30 a.m.
Final Presentations
Award Presentations and Lunch (11:30 a.m. – advisors/PIs welcome!)
Congratulations to our Summer 2024 Grad ExCELS winners!
Please reach out to gradcenter@wustl.edu for more information on this program.