Presentation Pointers: Oral and Poster Presentation Success Dr. Thomas Tomasi, Associate Dean of the Graduate College and Professor of Biology.

Presentation Pointers: Oral and

Poster Presentation Success

Dr. Thomas Tomasi, Associate Dean of the Graduate College and Professor of Biology

Presentation Outline

1. Slide Preparation

2. Oral Presentations

3. Poster Presentations

4. Final Comments

5. Questions

Slide Preparation

Number of Slides• 1 slide/minute (12 for IDF)• Decide how many slides for each portion of the

presentation• Introduction

– Provide background to match audience• Methods

– Overview of project– Detail of methodology to match audience

• Results & Discussion– Tables and graphs w/ statistical findings (if applicable)– Brief discussion of significance of each finding

• Conclusions (bullet take-home messages)• References (optional)• Acknowledgements (optional)

4

3

4

1

Arrangement of Slides

• Dimensions– Landscape

• Fill space evenly• Avoid large tracks of white space

-------------------- 1.5 X --------------------- ------------- 1 X --------------

Slide Formatting• 6x6x6 Rule (or 5x5x5 Rule)

– 6 words per bullet point– 6 bullet points per slide– 6 word-slides in a row

• Separate lines with white space– Single space is not enough

• Use animation to focus the audience– Too much or too fancy is

distracting

• Background, slide layout, slide design– “KISS” principle

Slide Formatting - Backgrounds

• Your background must complement your presentation purpose

• You should select a background that makes it easy to read your text and graphics

• Dark slides project poorly in large rooms

• See examples – what do you think?

Light-on-dark

Slide Formatting• Your background must complement

your presentation purpose• You should select a background

that makes it easy to read your text and graphics

• Dark slides project poorly in large rooms

Light-on-dark

Slide Formatting• Your background must complement

your presentation purpose• You should select a background

that makes it easy to read your text and graphics

• Dark slides project poorly in large rooms

Light-on-dark

Slide Formatting• Your background must complement

your presentation purpose• You should select a background

that makes it easy to read your text and graphics

• Dark slides project poorly in large rooms

Light-on-dark

Font Formatting• No smaller than 24 point font size (this size)

• Font style should be consistent throughout, except for emphasis– Some fonts are more difficult to read– Some fonts are more difficult to read– Some fonts are more difficult to read– Some fonts are more difficult to read

• Use lower case for best legibility– Short headlines may be in all CAPS

• Use different font colors for emphasis• But whatever you do, Be Consistent!

Data Presentation

• Decide on table or graph

• Determine the type of graph

–Bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts

• Use larger font than normal text

• Include statistics

• Include captions for poster, but NOT slides

Tables vs. Graphs1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Oral 7 24 30 33 23 39 40 44 66 75 53 60 54 43

Poster 0 0 5 39 21 23 15 35 46 69 74 100 61 57

Type of Presentation: Oral vs. Poster 1994-2007

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Years

Num

ber

of P

art

icip

ants

Oral Poster

Number of Cells in a Table

RECEIVED PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR COL DEPARTMENT BEGIN DATE END DATE

07/03/97 McClennen, Joan CHHS SWK 05/31/97 05/31/98

07/03/97 McClennen, Joan CHHS SWK 05/31/97 05/31/98

07/08/97 Rippee, Billy D. COED GAC 06/19/97 07/18/97

07/08/97 Rippee, Billy D. COED GAC 06/10/97 07/10/97

07/08/97 Rippee, Billy D. COED GAC 06/10/97 07/10/97

07/08/97 Rippee, Billy D. COED GAC 08/08/96 08/08/97

07/10/97 Garrison-Harrell, Linda COED RSE 09/08/97 12/12/97

07/10/97 Masterson, Julie J. CHHS CSD 07/01/97 06/30/98

07/10/97 Park-Fuller, Linda & Rich, Marc COAL T&D 05/05/97 05/09/97

07/10/97 Walker, Nancy COAL ENG 08/25/97 12/11/97

07/16/97 Aripoli, Don STUAFF STUAFF 07/15/97 12/15/97

07/17/97 Stierwalt, Julie A. G. CHHS CSD 08/01/97 05/31/98

07/28/97 Masterson, Julie J. CHHS CSD 07/01/97 06/30/98

08/05/97 Yost, Linda COAL ENG 01/03/97 12/01/97

08/11/97 Netsell, Ronald CHHS CSD 09/02/97 04/02/98

08/12/97 Kirker, Martha ACAD.AF. CTR.ASSESS. 08/15/97 10/10/97

08/12/97 Kirker, Martha ACAD.AF. CTR.ASSESS. 07/29/97 07/29/98

08/12/97 Stierwalt, Julie A. G. CHHS CSD 08/01/97 05/31/98

08/18/97 Bushman, Barbara CHHS HPER 09/01/97 01/31/98

Oral Presentations

Presentation Styles• Prior to the presentation, determine any

acoustic or visual issues with the room• Relax and be yourself

– No one knows it better than you do– You are having a conversation with the

audience• Use your slides as a guide• Look at the audience, not the slides• Point to what you are emphasizing• Avoid distracting actions, sounds• Pauses are OK• Enthusiasm is great!

“Reading Your Paper” • Even though this is considered “normal” in some

disciplines, do NOT do it• Include something visual, even if just clip art and

some bullet points• Use note cards if you need help remembering what

you want to say

#6

• Key terms to define• Key points to make

--------------------------Segue to next slide

6:30

Practice, Practice, Practice• Make your presentation at least 1 week before the

scheduled date and practice it!• Practice when you have time to edit

– Speak loudly, with good enunciation– Use appropriate hand gestures– Use screen and pointer– Time yourself– Use animation

• Pay attention to slide transitions

• Make the presentation clear, concise, and colorful (language choices)

• Move with purpose around the room

Professional Appearance

• Business attire– Men: Dress shirt, dress slacks, possibly coat & tie– Women: Conservative suit or dress with blazer

• Appropriate dress shoes– Men: Dress shoes and socks – no white socks– Women: Closed-toed shoes; low heels

• Avoid jeans, t-shirts, sneakers, sweatpants – no gum!

• Grooming to match the occasion– Brushed hair and teeth– Appropriate make-up (if applicable)– Limited jewelry

Poster Presentations

Poster Construction• Determine size of display board surface

– 4 feet high by 6 feet wide for IDF

• Determine poster construction materials– Paper– Mount paper/photos on poster board (THIN)– Scroll (PowerPoint with large printer)

• Other items: – Bring push pins – Handouts (if needed for exchange) – Always “carry-on” (if flying)

Items to Include• Title

– Including title, author(s) and institution– Lettering 1-2” tall

• Abstract (optional if otherwise available)– Should appear in upper left-hand corner

• Introduction– Briefly summarize background– Identify the purpose– Identify the question(s) or hypothesis(es)

Items to Include (con’t)• Experimental Design/Methods

– Need sufficient detail– Include number and demographic of subjects

• Results/Discussion– Table, figure, illustration, and/or photograph– Should stand on its own– Interpretative legend

• Highlight and BRIEFLY discuss essential points

• Summary/Conclusions– Briefly state the “bottom line(s)”

• Acknowledgement (if space allows)– Funding source(s)– Institutional support– Other contributors

• Other (if space allows)– References– Pictures

Items to Include (con’t)

Poster Layout• Title and authors at the top

• “Panels” = slides of oral presentation– Text, tables, figures, photos– Minimal use of sentences and paragraphs– Arranged vertically– 4 columns and 3 rows = 12 panels

• Entertainment value

Examples – what do you think?

Pesticide Effects on Endocrine Function in Hibernating 13-lined Ground Squirrels

Jean A. Perry, Thomas E. Tomasi, & Kerry Withers. Department of Biology, Southwest Missouri State University, Springfield Missouri 65804 (JAP & TET), and Department of Biological & Physical

Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia (KW)

METHODSForty one wild-caught 13-lined ground squirrels were chronically treated with non-lethal doses of two lipophilic pesticides (atrazine & lindane) prior to hibernation. Treatments (n=7-8) consisted of a high lindane group (0.98g lindane/280mLdistilled water on 1960g pellets), a low lindane group (0.098g lindane/280mL water on 1960g of pellets), an atrazine group (11.51g atrazine /280mL water on 1960g pellets), a mixture of low-dose lindane /atrazine group (in 280 mL water on 1960g pellets), and a control group with 280g water on 1960g pellets). All solutions were sprayed onto the squirrel food, which was spread in a monolayer and allowed to dry. Animals hibernated individually in rodent cages that were kept in environmental chambers. Serum samples were collected from all animals prior to hibernation (Oct.), twice during hibernation (Nov. & Jan.), and post-hibernation (Apr.). The first three samples were used to measure thyroid hormone concentrations (total & free T4, and total & free T3), and the last to measure reproductive hormones (testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone) via RIA.

RESULTSAlthough all thyroid hormones changed over time, only total & free T3 were affected by pesticide treatment. There was no treatment effect on any of the reproductive hormones, although testosterone was higher in males than females. Estrogen and progesterone did not differ between genders, suggesting that blood was not taken during estrus. These pesticide treatments did not apparently impair thyroid or reproductive endocrinology

INTRODUCTIONEndocrine disruptors, a class of environmental pollutants which have been shown to interfere with normal hormone function, pose an increasing threat to the world’s fauna. Several of these substances accumulate in body fat (which in hibernators increases dramatically during the pre-hibernation period) and have been shown compromise normal thyroid function. Endocrine disruptors may mimic or inhibit natural hormones responsible for homeostasis, development and reproduction. Therefore it was hypothesized that these pesticides might disrupt normal reproductive function upon emergence from hibernation.

Estradiol vs Treatment & Gender

TreatmentsHL LL AZ LL/AZ C

Est

rad

iol

(ng

/mL

)

0.000

0.004

0.008

0.012

0.016 MalesFemales

Testosterone vs Treatment & Gender

TreatmentHL LL AZ LL/AZ C

Tes

tost

ero

ne

(n

g/m

L)

0.0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5MalesFemales

Progesterone vs Treatment & Gender

TreatmentHL LL AZ LL/AZ C

Pro

ges

tero

ne

(n

g/m

L)

0.0

0.2

0.4

0.6

MalesFemales

Time and Treatment Effects on Total T3

Time

Oct 1 Nov 1 Dec 1 Jan 1 Feb 1

Tota

l T3

(ng/

ml)

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

HL LLAZLL/AZC

Met

abo

lic

Rat

e

Ambient Temperature

Euthermic and Hibernating Metabolic Rates

Euthermic

Hibernating

METHODS• L. borelalis (n=6) were maintained in captivity within an

environmental chamber over the winter season (September – March)

• Continuous oxygen consumption rates were recorded within metabolic chambers to assess arousal spontaneity and torpor boutduration at various ambient temperatures

• Other captured L. borealis (n=6) were fitted with radio-transmitters, released, and tracked on subsequent days to tree roosts and leaf-litter roosts

• Temperature profiles were recorded at these leaf-litter roost sites via temperature sensitive data logging devices (iButtons®)

Ambient vs. Leaf Litter Temperature

Time (in days)1 2 3 4 5

Te

mp

era

ture

(°C

)

-10

-5

0

5

10

15

20 Ambient LowAmbient HighLeaf Litter LowLeaf Litter High

Figure 4: This five day sample is representative of the temperature patterns throughout the hibernation season. Ambient and leaf litter temperatures were recorded via iButton® data logging devices. Daily high and low temperatures are shown.

Torpor Duration at 7°C and 15°C

To

rpo

r D

ura

tio

n (

in d

ays)

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7°C (n=6) 15°C (n=1)

Figure 3: Length of time between spontaneous arousals recorded within metabolic chambers at two ambient temperatures.

Miranda B. Milam, Brad M. Mormann, Lynn W. Robbins, and Thomas E. TomasiBiology Department

Southwest Missouri State University

Individuals were kept in separate enclosures within an environmental chamber.

THERMOREGULATION AND AROUSAL PATTERNS OF EASTERN RED BATS (Lasiurus borealis)

ABSTRACT

J.G. Boyles

Unlike other temperate hibernating bats, eastern red bats (Lasiurus borealis) do not utilize the typical hibernacula (e.g. caves, crevices, buildings). Instead, L. borealis will move into leaf litter during the cold bouts of winter months and arouse to forage on warm evenings. Because temperatures fluctuate widely at these winter roost sites, the first goal of this study was to discern whether winter arousals are spontaneous or rely on ambient temperatures. If spontaneous, is arousal frequency dependent on ambient temperature? In conjunction with this, we also questioned how stable temperatures are within leaf litter microhabitats. Bats were captured during fall of 2003 in southwestern Missouri and kept in captivity during the winter season in environmental chambers simulating photoperiod and temperature regimes. Torpor duration was assessed via oxygen consumption rates at 7ºC and 15ºC. Preliminary data suggest that spontaneous arousals occur and are less frequent at lower ambient temperatures. Additionally, leaf litter provided bats with a relatively stable thermal microclimate (compared to widely fluctuating ambient temperatures in the field). During winter of 2004, we plan to simultaneously record body temperature while exposing a larger sample size to varied ambient temperatures, both in environmental chambers to monitor arousal patterns, and in metabolic chambers to measure metabolic rates. We also intend to analyze these data for differences between the sexes. These studies of thermal limits, in comparison to preferred hibernation temperatures, will give us a better understanding of this species’ thermal ecology.

CONCLUSIONS• Spontaneous arousals occurred and may provide L. borealis with an

opportunity for feeding and/or routine maintenance

• L. borealis arose more frequently at warmer ambient temperatures, possibly allowing the bat to exploit food availability

• Actively selecting leaf litter as a microhabitat provides a thermally stable hibernation site

CONSERVATION APPLICATIONSBat conservation programs are limited due in part to lack of

information concerning their physiological adaptations and requirements at their winter roost sites. Our laboratory measurements of these physiological aspects in regards to L. borealis over-wintering strategies complement field studies by providing specifics of thermal ecology for this species. Furthermore, these traits are applicable to conservation effortsthrough the following:

• better scheduling of prescribed burns• habitat/forestry management• potential relatedness to other hibernating species’ thermal

ecology

FUTURE STUDIES• Increase sample size and assess arousal patterns at a wide range of

ambient temperatures • Arousal patterns in the environmental chambers will be monitored

with iButtons®

• We will evaluate differences in metabolism at various ambient temperatures

• Body temperature will be recorded, via thermocouple, while bats are torpid at various temperature treatments within metabolic chambers

• Determine differences in over-wintering strategies between the sexes

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS• SMSU Graduate College and a SMSU Faculty Research Grant for

funding

• Missouri Department of Conservation for permission to capture L.borealis at Busiek State Forest and the Drury/Mincy Conservation Area

• J. G. Boyles for assistance with field work and data analysis

• E. G. Garza and B. D. Sanders for assistance with enclosure construction and bat maintenance.

RESULTS• L. borealis underwent spontaneous arousals from torpor• Torpor duration is dependent on ambient temperature, longer bouts at

lower ambient temperatures (Figure 3)• During subfreezing bouts in the field, L. borealis were tracked to

numerous leaf litter roost sites which provided a stable microclimate relative to ambient temperature (Figure 4)

Figure 1: A stylized graph comparing changes in metabolism of euthermic and hibernating animals.

During the winter months, the eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis), a common foliage-roosting bat, will use prolonged torpor during hibernation to avoid the elements. However, unlike most other temperate hibernating bats, L. borealis do not utilize the typical hibernacula; instead, L. borealis will move into the leaf litter during the cold bouts of winter months, enter the physiological state of torpor, and arouse to forage on warm evenings. Their metabolic rates are determined by ambient temperature (Figure 1). During hibernation, torpor is interrupted by short periods of euthermia(arousals) (Figure 2). Frequency of these arousals, and therefore torpor bout duration, may be dependent on ambient temperature. A better understand of L. borealis over-wintering strategies will demonstate how these thermal relationships will contribute to the conservation of this species. The goals of this study are as follows:• determine whether winter arousals are spontaneous or are in

response to fluctuating ambient temperatures • measure duration of torpor bouts and determine if this is

temperature dependent• examine potential costs and benefits of selecting a leaf litter

microhabitat

Met

abo

lic R

ate

Time

Arousal Patterns during Hibernation

Torpid

Aro

usal

Euthermic

Figure 2: A stylized graph demonstrating arousal patterns. Frequency of arousals is dependent on ambient temperature.

INTRODUCTION

Cryptic coloration provides excellent camouflage when hibernating on the forest floor.

Final Comments

• Effective communication is the goal

• Carefully proofread all materials

• Use special effects sparingly to draw attention, not just because you can

GOOD LUCK

QUESTIONS