News and Information
Inaugural 3MT Competition A Great Success
February 26, 2016
Eleven graduate students, representing a variety of disciplines at Grand Valley, competed in the 3-Minute Thesis competition February 18 in Loosemore Auditorium in the DeVos Center. During the competition, sponsored by The Graduate School, students had three minutes to present their research to a panel of judges. Students were competing for prize money and a chance to advance to the Midwest Association of Graduate Schools 3-Minute Thesis competition in Chicago in April.
Matthew Lindenberg, who is earning a master's degree in biology, took first place with his thesis, "Reinforcement of Cheetah Populations: Rewilding in North-Central Namibia." Lindenberg won $500 and will advance to the competition in Chicago.
Jakia Fuller, who is pursuing a master's degree in higher education, won second prize and $250 with her thesis, "Identity Development of Black Students in Relation to Black Studies Courses."
Ashley DeWitt, who is earning a master's degree in cell and molecular biology, won third place and $100 with her thesis, "A Simple Model to Study Cell Division."
The audience of about 75 people voted for the People's Choice award, won by Sarah Nota, who is pursuing a master's degree in public health with her thesis, "Sexual Health Education Among the Intellectually and Developmentally Delayed Population in Western Michigan."
Faculty judges were Corey Anton, Lori Houghton-Rahrig, Roger Wilson, Brandon Youker, Katie Barnhart, Shabbir Choudhuri and Shannon Biros. Len O'Kelly served as emcee.
The 3-Minute Thesis competition first began at the University of Queensland in Australia and has expanded across the world.
To view highlights of the competition click here.