Native American Studies Ph.D. candidate Allison Shaddox had never presented on her own research before participating in last year's LoboBITES event. But afterwards, she said it made her a presenter.

LoboBITES are three-minute presentations on a thesis, dissertation, or other substantial research projects or scholarly activity. These events are similar to short TED Talks.

"It really makes you take a step back to get an overview of your research because you have to present it to a general audience who may not know about your topic," Shaddox said. "It makes you synthesize all your stuff into the main principles. It makes it accessible."

Shaddox presented on federal Indian law. As an audience member, she said she enjoyed the diversity in presentations, from engineering topics to Africana Studies.

Presentations are judged by a panel consisting of UNM and Albuquerque community members. All currently enrolled University of New Mexico graduate students are eligible to participate. Top contestants can win up to $1,000 in scholarships and a paid trip to represent the UNM at a regional competition. The Fall 2025 LoboBITES final presentations will take place Thursday, Nov. 13 at 4 p.m. in SUB Ballroom C.

"It was an adrenaline rush. I had to make sure I wasn't speeding through it but had to stay within my allotted three minutes," Shaddox said. "Even as I was presenting, I started thinking of more concise ways of saying what I was presenting on."

Shaddox went on to present on the same topic at other research conferences and credited LoboBITES for helping her build a better presentation.

"It's one thing to do research, and it's another to have to present your research and explain why it's important. You have to defend why you think this is even a topic that matters," Shaddox said.

She said she dealt with stage fright but doing it in front of her fellow students reminded her that they want students to succeed. "Everyone wants you to go on to other presentations and represent UNM well."

For a list of previous winners, rules, and FAQ's, visit the Graduate Studies website.