Abstract Writing Workshop 2 29 2016 http sacnas

Abstract Writing Workshop 2 -29 -2016 http: //sacnas. org/

What is an abstract? � Single paragraph manuscript that stands alone � Self-contained summary of work � Conveys significance � Demonstrates your ability to effectively communicate your research to an audience � Quality of your abstract May determine whether anybody will read it entirely and/or come to your presentation � Promissory Abstracts

Readers should be able to ascertain… � What you are doing? What your research entails – Background What methods you used and what were your results � Why you are doing it? Significance What conclusions can be made from your results � What questions are you trying to answer? Objective Hypothesis

Basic elements � Title � Introduction (Background) � Objectives/Hypothesis – Question/Problem � Materials and Methods � Results (Major findings) � Conclusions/Significance � Sections: 1 -3 sentences

Title � Accurately describes what your story is about � Include the key elements describing the content of study � Commands attention from attendees � Deciding factor on whether to read the abstract � Targets presentation to the right scientific session � Tips - Be succinct, specific, use active voice

Examples of descriptive titles � Bacteriophages as a therapeutic strategy to target adherent, invasive, Escherichia coli associated with inflammatory bowel disease � The developmental origins of gender stereotypes regarding general intelligence � Diels-Alder product characterization and kinetic studies on 3, 4’, 5 trimethoxy-trans-stilbene with singlet oxygen � Design and test of a copper-based, mini-channel solar waterheating system � Using Schlieren techniques to visualize and quantify the velocities in a thermal plume of a non-premixed flame when an electric field is applied

Introduction � Describe the general topic and why it’s important � The introductory sentence(s) sets the stage for the project � This sentence(s) is the rationale for the study � Why you did a study is NOT because “its never been done before” and it is NOT because “my mentor told me to”

Objectives/Hypothesis Question/Problem � Your next sentence should clearly state your hypothesis and/or your research question being addressed (i. e. , your purpose, goal, aim) � It is not imperative that it be written as a hypothesis

Materials & Methods � How was the study conducted? � Follow with a sentence or two that BRIEFLY describes the experimental approach � Pertinent information concerning the methods without providing details – animal model, cell model, chemical manipulation, duration of the study, etc.

Results � What were your results? (may not have all but that’s OK) � Briefly describe the results of your project � Only include the most pertinent findings � The amount of detail you provide will vary with discipline so consult your mentor

Conclusion/Significance � What is the meaning of your findings? � Provide a concluding sentence that emphasizes the significance or implications (interpretation) of the finding A sentence that highlights the major finding of your project and its impact � What is the “take home” message? � Speculate if data is inconclusive

Active and Passive Voice � ACTIVE Scientists have conducted experiments to test the hypothesis. � PASSIVE Experiments have been conducted to test the hypothesis. by ?

Things to be aware of when writing an abstract � Know the word limitations and any other specifications being required (Please read the fine print) � There must be a story to tell � Your story may change by the time you present � The term “significant” can only be used if data were statistically tested and significance determined � References should not be included in an abstract

Things to be aware of when writing an abstract � Avoid the use of superfluous, million dollar words � “Mean what you say and say what you mean” � “KISS: Keep It Simple Stupid” � Acronyms � Have other people read your abstract

Edit, Edit!! Proofread, Proofread!! � No excuses for typographical errors � Poor grammar kills an abstract because it reduces its effectiveness � A good rule of thumb to reduce run-on sentences is to limit sentences to two lines. This convention also helps avoid wordiness and lengthiness

Submitting abstracts to present at conferences http: //sacnas. org/ � Dates for the Spring Submission have not been announced yet � Need to be a member � Student 1 -year Member ($15); 2 -year ($25); 3 -year ($30) Generally announced in February or March with deadlines being April or May Last year’s abstract and travel award submission was May 15

Submitting abstracts to present at conferences

SACNAS and ABRCMS National Conferences Caters to the interest of students. Opportunity to explore, present, and network 2012 -2013

Immersing environment filled with vibrancy

Contains beneficial venues for you to take advantage

Place for reunions and a platform to talk about science! ABRCMS 2015

Statistics from 2015 ABRCMS National Conference � Abstracts Submitted: 2035 1887 were accepted

Statistics from 2015 SACNAS National Conference � 2015: More than 1000 abstracts submitted � 2014 – 1067 Poster presentations; 95 Oral

SACNAS abstract submission process � A hypothesis or statement about the problem under investigation � A statement of the experimental methods/materials used � Results provided in summary form (even if preliminary) � Conclusion � http: //sacnas. org/events/national-conf/student-postdoc-researchpresentations/guidelines � Word limit = 250 � Due by 5 PM PST

SACNAS Online abstract index � http: //sacnas 14 abstracts. conferencespot. org/presentation-abstractindex � http: //sacnas 15 abstracts. conferencespot. org/presentation-index � Contains the abstracts of oral and poster presentations for the conferences held in Los Angeles (2014) and Washington D. C (2015).

Review Process � Two experts assign numerical score (1 -5) � Clarity – the research topic and motive are easily identified � Communication – language and style are appropriate for a general scientific audience � Scientific Essentials – the purpose or goal of the study, project methods and analyses, results (or predictions), and impact/value are present and easily identified � Abstract scores – Those that are below 60% were rejected

Travel scholarship � http: //sacnas. org/events/national-conf/travel-scholarships � Statement of Purpose Prompt 3000 character limit – close to 500 words � Unofficial Academic Transcripts � Enrollment Verification (Transfer and Postbac Students ) � Letter of Recommendation Form http: //bio. sacnas. org/uploads/ts/2015 lor. pdf

Questions asked on 2015 Lo. R Form � Please describe your relationship to the applicant? Please include information on how long you have known the applicant and the extent of your interactions? � What is the applicant’s current research topic? If not actively involved in research, what are the applicant’s interests? � Please comment on the applicant’s academic merit including his/her aptitude for pursuing an advance degree in STEM or a related field. � In your opinion, why and how would the applicant benefit from attending the 2015 SACNAS National Conference? � What is it about the applicant that leads you to recommend him/her for the SACNAS Travel Scholarship? Does the applicant have other sources of funding to attend the SACNAS conference? � Yes � No � I don’t know � Please provide additional comments and/or information about the applicant that would help us evaluate his or her application. �

Statement of Purpose � Your research interests and career objectives within your discipline. � Your preparation for moving on to the next level in your education. � How is the SACNAS National Conference a good fit for your educational goals? � What specifically do you hope to gain from participating in the conference? � Describe your need for financial assistance to attend the 2015 SACNAS National Meeting and why SACNAS should invest in you. � Include any aspects of your personal background, accomplishments, or achievements that demonstrate efforts to further the SACNAS mission.

Title - Authorship � The title should be followed by the authors and their affiliations � The first author is the primary contributor to conducting/writing the study � The last author is the primary investigator