Research Blitz brings together researchers

Have a research problem? We all do. Maybe you’re having trouble with some statistics and just need an expert to talk you through it. Or maybe you need someone to help you solve an engineering problem, or candid advice on a tricky reaction, or an enthusiastic undergraduate who can run some experiments for you.

With so much research talent at ASU, there is bound to be someone who is willing to work with you on your your research problem, and maybe even collaborate long-term if you discover something interesting. But how will you find them?

The Research Blitz was developed by postdocs to address just this question.

Here’s how it works: As a presenter, you give a 5-minute talk about a project, provide a statement of your project needs, and get a chance to speak with a broader audience of talents at ASU. As an audience member, you can hear about the amazing research that’s going on outside of your lab (sometimes just down the hall!). You can talk to the presenters directly about how you can help their project needs.

And then, who knows? This could be the start of a beautiful research collaboration.

On September 18, the Postdoctoral Affairs Office held their second Research Blitz in the Biodesign auditorium. Seven postdocs presented their research projects and needs to a wider audience of ASU researchers, students, and faculty, they included:

• Qiushi Cui, School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering,
  “Electrical Vehicle Charging Station Placement”
• Ganesh Subramanian, Physics Department,
  “Electron transfer – electronic and molecular structure of bio and molecular systems in reaction”
• Megan Lindsey Brown, School of Social Work,
  “Dating Safety App and Student Community Work”
• Qunshan Zhao, School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning,
  “Knowledge Exchange for Social, Economic, and Environmental Resilience: Heatmapper citizen science program”
• Nichola Lubold, Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences,
  “Social Behavior to Enhance Learning in Human-Robot Interactions”
• Justin Tanner, School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering,
  “Defining Biomechanical Variances in Violinists’ Skill Level”
• Peter Nagy, Center for Science and the Imagination,
  “How to resolve the stigma associated with chronic conditions”

Following the Blitz presentations, the room bubbled with new ideas and intense conversation as presenters and audience attendees enjoyed light refreshments and discussion about the research projects.

Interested in doing a Blitz pitch, but unsure how to do it? We understand you may want some advice, so we are planning a Lunch & Learn on “the short pitch” for December, with special guests from Venture Devils--the experts in developing short, pithy messaging. Attendees who sign up for the next Research Blitz will also have a special 1-on-1 consultation with the program committee and Venture Devils.

So stay tuned for more information on the next Research Blitz!

- contributed by Christina Forbes, postdoc, School of Molecular Sciences