Three Minute Thesis (3MT®)
Graduate students are given three minutes and one stationary slide to tell a compelling story of their research to a non-specialist audience. Friday, November 6, 2026, 2-4 p.m. in Humanities 100
The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is a research communication competition developed by the University of Queensland (UQ). Graduate students who participate in the University of Louisville 3MT competition are given three minutes and one stationary slide to tell a compelling story of their research to a non-specialist audience.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR FINALISTS!
NAME | PROGRAM |
Amanda Adams | Urban and Public Affairs (PhD) |
Favour Aderinto | Industrial Engineering (PhD) |
Brandyn Bailey | Counseling & Personnel Services (PhD) |
Hasini Balasuriya | Industrial Engineering (PhD) |
Chandrima Chatterjee | Public Health Sciences (PhD) |
Bassam Fotouh | Interdisciplinary Studies - Translational Bioengineering (PhD) |
Bidusi Khadka | Industrial Engineering (PhD) |
Faezeh Rafiei | Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (PhD) |
Myat Thiri San | Chemical Engineering (PhD) |
Madison Smith | Communication (MA) |
Stephen Sunday | Industrial Engineering (PhD) |
Melody Ucho | Public Health Sciences (PhD) |
Kirsten Waits | Chemical Engineering (PhD) |
Brittany Walters | Anatomical Sciences and Neurobiology (PhD) |
Active doctoral and masters students are eligible to participate in UofL's 3MT Competition. Doctoral students who have achieved doctoral candidate status and are actively in the dissertation stage of training are eligible to compete for the first place and runner up prizes, while all graduate students are eligible to compete for the people's choice prize.
First Place: $500 professional development funds, and free Conference of Southern Graduate Schools attendance and participation (to complete with other regional 3MT competitors)
Runner Up: $250 professional development funds
People's Choice: $100 professional development funds
Comprehension & Content
- 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?
Engagement
- 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?
View our previous 3MT® winners here.
Questions and More Information
Do you still have questions? Contact Dr. Michelle Rodems, Assistant Dean for Student Success.