The 69ÀÏʪ»ú¸£Àû’s Graduate School continues to shine as a hub of academic excellence through its annual Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. Thursday, April 10 marks the 11th year of this exciting event. Over 400 students will take the stage of the Wells Fargo Auditorium at the Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center to share their groundbreaking research.
The three-minute thesis competition: a showcase of graduate excellence
The competition challenges master’s and doctoral students to present their research in a concise and engaging way to a non-specialist audience. Each student has just three minutes to explain the significance of their work using a single presentation slide. This high-pressure format tests their ability to distill complex ideas into accessible language and encourages them to think creatively about how to effectively communicate their work. The competition fosters innovation and clarity, as students must use simple language, compelling visuals and a clear narrative to capture the audience’s attention and convey the essence of their research.
A panel of esteemed faculty and postdoctoral researchers judges the competition, evaluating presentation skills and research content. The event highlights the brilliance of graduate education and serves as a platform for students to showcase their work to a broader audience. Recent winners have gone on to compete — and succeed — in regional and national competitions, further solidifying the University’s reputation as a leader in graduate research.
Past success stories: students who have gone on to regional and national recognition
One such standout is Jennifer Heppner ’24 Ph.D. (ecology, evolution, and conservation biology). In 2022, she took home first place in the University’s competition, the People’s Choice award and $1,800 in prize money. Heppner went on to compete regionally at the 2023 Western Association of Graduate School’s (WAGS) 3MT competition, where she placed third among a field of top-tier scholars, setting the bar high for future University competitors.
Anthropology doctoral candidate Kendra Isable, walked away from the University’s 2023 3MT competition with first place in the doctoral category and $1,300. What followed Isable’s first win is nothing short of extraordinary. She competed regionally at the 2024 WAGS 3MT competition, earning second place and upholding the University’s tradition of producing top finishers. Building on this momentum, Isable took her talents to the national stage at the Council of Graduate School’s annual meeting in St. Louis, Missouri, in December 2024, where she captivated the audience and clinched first place.
Celebrating the future of graduate research at the University
The University’s 3MT Competition continues to celebrate intellectual prowess, showcasing the dedication and creativity of graduate students. Through events like these, the University elevates its academic profile and empowers students like Heppner and Isable to make a lasting impact on their fields and beyond. As the competition continues to grow, so does its legacy of inspiring the next generation of thinkers, leaders and changemakers.
*Photo courtesy of Jordan S. Buxton, '21, '23 M.A.