The results are in from the 2026 Grad Slam Finals!

On February 25, eight outstanding graduate students took the stage at the Stevie Eller Dance Theatre to present their research in just three minutes. Each finalist demonstrated clarity, rigor, and the ability to communicate complex scholarship to a broad audience. 

We are proud to announce this year’s winners:

1st Place - $3,000 prize
Andres F. Diaz | Cancer Biology
“CDK5: A New Hope for Treating Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors”

As this year’s champion, Andres F. Diaz will represent the University of Arizona at the Western Association of Graduate Schools Three Minute Thesis Competition in April 2026.

2nd Place - $2,000 Prize
SoRi La | Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
“Evolution’s Neglected Story: The Role of Cooperation in the Evolution of Complex Life”

3rd Place - $1,000 Prize
Nathan Hadland | Planetary Sciences
“Rapid and Predictable Microbial Colonization on New Icelandic Lava”

These scholars exemplify the depth and diversity of graduate research at the University of Arizona. From advancing cancer therapeutics to rethinking evolutionary theory to studying microbial life in extreme environments, their work expands knowledge and contributes to real world impact.

We extend our appreciation to our panel of judges for their thoughtful evaluation, to the faculty mentors who support this work, and to the students, staff, families, and community members who filled the theatre in support of graduate scholarship.

If you were not able to attend, full recordings of the finalist talks will be available soon on our YouTube channel. Additional photos from the evening will be shared on our website and social media. 

Congratulations to our winners and to every finalist who took the stage. Your research, professionalism, and dedication reflect the strength of our graduate community and make the University of Arizona proud.