During the summer of 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to compete at the World Invention and Creativity Olympiad (WICO) in South Korea. Initially, I thought the lab work—navigating equipment, mastering procedures, and coordinating with my teammates—would be the toughest part. But I quickly realized that creating a compelling presentation was even more challenging. Understanding the research was one thing, but conveying it clearly and concisely was an entirely different skill.

As the person in charge of designing the poster, I went through numerous drafts, experimenting with colors, layouts, and visual storytelling as often as I conducted lab experiments. Every detail needed to communicate our findings effectively.

Though difficult, this process provided me with invaluable lessons. It taught me the importance of clear communication in science and the creativity required to make complex ideas accessible. The experience pushed me beyond my comfort zone and made me a better researcher and presenter.