A science communication training program at the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine (VPDI)
Are you a graduate student or postdoctoral fellow at the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine (VPDI) ready to level up your scientific communication?
The Resonance public speaking training program helps you share your research with clarity, confidence, and impact — especially when presenting to scientists outside your immediate discipline. Whether you’re preparing for a lab meeting, conference, or job talk, this program gives you the tools to make your science land.
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Skills You'll Build
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Plus, You'll Receive
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Is this for you?
Check out our Avatar Profiles — real examples of the most common presentation habits we see (and help you improve). Whether you ramble, cram, speed-talk, or freeze, you’re not alone — and this program is built to help.
Dr. Overkill 🤯
Name: Dr. Overkill 🤯
Profile: Senior PhD student. Confident speaker. Tries to say everything in one go.
Known for: “I just need five more slides — I swear it’ll make sense.”
Why you need this: You know too much — and try to say it all. Your talks are dense, detailed, and hard to follow across disciplines.
What you’ll gain: Structure, pacing, and visual design skills to make your science clear, not chaotic.
Tagline: Learn how less can be more. Get remembered for your clarity, not your data density.
Nervous Nelly 😬
Name: Nervous Nelly 😬
Profile: Smart and methodical, but public speaking makes you want to hide.
Known for: “It sounded great in my head… then I opened my mouth.”
Why you need this: You know your work — but freeze up when it’s time to speak. You need a safe space to practice and build confidence.
What you’ll gain: Storytelling tools, peer support, and hands-on coaching to help you find your voice.
Tagline: Turn quiet thinking into clear speaking — with confidence.
Alex the Bridge-Builder 🤔
Name: Alex the Bridge-Builder 🤔
Profile: Postdoc working between two fields — clear in your head, confusing to others.
Known for: “It makes perfect sense… if you’ve read the same 30 papers I have.”
Why you need this: You straddle disciplines, but your audience doesn’t always speak your language. You need strategies to connect across boundaries.
What you’ll gain: Message scaffolding, analogies, and delivery techniques to help others follow your thinking.
Tagline: Make your science accessible. Speak so others can connect.
Soon-to-Be Dr. Singh 😅
Name: Soon-to-Be Dr. Singh 😅
Profile: Final-year PhD student prepping for job talks, postdoc interviews, and high-stakes moments.
Known for: “I have 12 versions of this talk… and still don’t know which one to use.”
Why you need this: You’re ready to launch — but your talk still needs polish, clarity, and confidence.
What you’ll gain: Feedback, coaching, and a professional-quality talk you can use in applications and beyond.
Tagline: Polish your talk. Nail your interview. Be memorable.
Sir Mix-A-Lot 😵💫
Most of us aren’t just one type of presenter — we’ve got a little Overkill, a touch of Nelly, a dash of Singh, and maybe a whole lot of Mix-A-Lot. Some of us may also be navigating these challenges in a second language or bringing a communication style shaped by another culture — that’s part of what makes this cohort so rich. That’s normal. The Resonance program is built to meet you where you are and help you grow in the areas you need most. Whether you’re here to tame the chaos, boost your confidence, sharpen your message — or all of the above — you’re exactly where you need to be.
