Three Minute Thesis (3MT)

An annual competition for University of Rochester doctoral students

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Three Minute Thesis (3MT) is an academic competition that challenges doctoral students to describe their research to a global audience—within three minutes.

Fall 2023 competition

The final round of the competition was held during Meliora Weekend. Congratulations to all the competitors for such fantastic presentations!

Fall 2023 3mT WInners:

FIRST PLACE: Quinny Campbell, a PhD Candidate in Chemical Engineering

RUNNER UP: Gloria Asantewaa, a PhD Candidate in Biochemistry

PEOPLE’S CHOICE: Kala Hardy, a PhD Candidate in Microbiology and Immunology

SUB-HEAT WINNERS: Azmeer Sharipol, a PhD Candidate in Biomedical Engineering and Shannon Cooney, a PhD Candidate in Chemistry

Competitors:

Gloria Asantewaa, a PhD Candidate in Biochemistry
Andrew Blake, a PhD Candidate in Music Theory
Quinny Campbell, a PhD Candidate in Chemical Engineering
Michael Chavrimootoo, a PhD Candidate in Computer Science
Shannon Cooney, a PhD Candidate in Chemistry
Kala Hardy, a PhD Candidate in Microbiology and Immunology
Sarah Morgan, a PhD Candidate in Toxicology
Brandon Ruszala, a PhD Candidate in Biomedical Engineering
Azmeer Sharipol, a PhD Candidate in Biomedical Engineering

Explore this page to learn more about the contest parameters, eligibility, and past winners.

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is an academic research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia. Visit the 3MT organization’s website for more details.

Eligible doctoral students at the University of Rochester can participate, and winners will receive travel funding prizes. The competition is brought to you by the University’s Graduate Education Office and University Libraries.

Upcoming schedule

Details on the next round of the Three Minute Thesis competition will be shared on this website when available. Stay tuned!

Eligibility

The competition is open to current Ph.D. and Professional Doctorate (Research) candidates who have passed their qualifying exam or are in their third year of study or greater.

Rules and judging criteria

A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any description are allowed. The slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration.
No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
Presentations are to be spoken word.
Presentations are to commence from the stage.
Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech.
The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Judging criteria

Judges are drawn from diverse disciplines within the university and the broader Rochester community. Review the judging rubric for full details on the judging criteria. Judging is broken up into two major categories:

Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background to the research question being addressed and its significance?
Did the presentation clearly describe the key results of the research including conclusions and outcomes?
Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
Was the thesis topic, key results and research significance and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation – or did they elaborate for too long on one aspect or was the presentation rushed?

Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or generalize their research?
Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?
Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience’s attention?
Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact and vocal range; maintain a steady pace, and have a confident stance?
Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation – was it clear, legible, and concise?

Prizes

Participants have multiple chances to win.

Top Two Finalists Per Sub-Heat: $100
Final Presentation:
- Winner: $750
- Runner-up: $500
- People’s Choice: $250

Registration not currently open

Stay tuned for more details on the next round of the Three Minute Thesis competition. A registration form will be made available on this website for you to sign up.

Explore a list of past University of Rochester winners, including contest video recordings and image galleries where available.

Check out the list