Q&A Science Coalition Student Video Challenge Runner Up Vivian Yifan Li

Vivian Yifan Li, a biology graduate student recently shared with us her experience entering and placing second in the 2023 Science Coalition Fund It Forward Student Video Challenge. 

Q: What is your research area? 

VYL: I study the microbiomes of coral photosymbionts.

Q: What was your experience entering the Science Coalition student video challenge?

VYL: It was intimidating at first and I didn’t know if I would have enough time to complete the video in time for the competition. I was also nervous about speaking in front of a camera for everyone to see, but I thought it would be a fun experience to just try it, and I could always back out if the video turned out bad. It ended up exceeding my expectations and I am glad I challenged myself to do something outside of my comfort zone! The video turned out to be a great way for my friends and family to get a better idea of what I was doing in grad school and I’m happy I made the time for it. I also had a lot of fun making the video!

Q: How did you feel when you learned that you had placed second in the challenge?

VYL: It felt great for my video to be acknowledged, especially considering how nervous I felt about it in the beginning.

Q: What advice do you have to share with anyone interested in applying for the Science Coalition Fund It Forward student video challenge?

VYL: What helped me, mindset-wise, was shifting my focus away from the outcome of the contest. I told myself that even if my video didn’t place, or if I couldn’t finish it in time to be submitted for the video challenge, it would still be a great way to communicate my research to friends and family on social media. I would also say to just have fun with it!