diff --git a/tex/thesis.tex b/tex/thesis.tex
index 113bea9..dbccc2f 100644
--- a/tex/thesis.tex
+++ b/tex/thesis.tex
@@ -348,9 +348,52 @@ its effectiveness both \invivo{} and \invivo{}, and develop computational
 pipelines that could be used in a manufacturing environment.
 
 \section*{specific aims}
-\subsection*{aim 1}
-\subsection*{aim 2}
-\subsection*{aim 3}
+
+The specific aims of this dissertation are outlined in
+\cref{fig:graphical_overview}.
+
+\begin{figure*}[ht!]
+  \begingroup
+
+  \includegraphics[width=\textwidth]{example-image-a}
+
+  \endgroup
+  \caption[Project Overview]{High-level workflow.}
+  \label{fig:graphical_overview}
+\end{figure*}
+
+\subsection*{aim 1: develop and optimize a novel T cell expansion process that
+  mimics key components of the lymph nodes}
+
+% TODO this might be easier to break apart in separate aims
+
+In this first aim, we demonstrated the process for manufacturing \glspl{dms},
+including quality control steps that are necessary for translation of this
+platform into a scalable manufacturing setting. We also demonstrate that the
+\gls{dms} platform leads to higher overall expansion of T cells and higher
+overall fractions of potent memory and CD4+ subtypes desired for T cell
+therapies. Finally, we demonstrate \invitro{} that the \gls{dms} platform can be
+used to generate functional \gls{car} T cells targeted toward CD19.
+
+\subsection*{aim 2: develop methods to control and predict T cell quality}
+
+For this second aim, we investigated methods to identify and control \glspl{cqa}
+and glspl{cpp} for manufacturing T cells using the \gls{dms} platform. This was
+accomplished through two sub-aims:
+
+\begin{itemize}
+  \item[A --] Develop computational methods to control and predict T cell
+    expansion and quality
+  \item[B --] Perturb \gls{dms} expansion to identify additional mechanistic
+    controls for expansion and quality
+\end{itemize}
+
+\subsection*{aim 3: confirm potency of T cells from novel T cell expansion
+  process using \invivo{} xenograft mouse model}
+
+In this final aim, we demonstrate the effectiveness of \gls{dms}-expanded T
+cells compared to state-of-the-art beads using \invivo{} mouse models for
+\gls{all}.
 
 \section*{outline}