3-Minute Thesis Competition
About the Event
The 3MT® competition provides a unique opportunity to share your work with the broader community in a fun and exciting format. The 3MT® competition allows graduate students to present their research in just 3 minutes with the aid of a single slide.
The winner of GVSU’s 3MT® receives a cash prize as well full funding to represent GVSU at the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) 3MT® competition in March 2023. Awards are as follows:
- First Place: $500 cash prize
- Second Place: $250 cash prize
- Third Place: $100 cash prize
Learn more about the MAGS 3MT® Competition
Students completing graduate level projects, dissertations, and theses are eligible to participate in the competition.
GVSU Speech Lab
Speech Lab consultants are trained to work with clients on all elements of the speechmaking process including: topic selection, organization, supporting materials, and most importantly, practicing delivery. Students participating in the 3MT competition are welcome to use the Speech Lab's services. All consultants have completed a rigorous training program certified by the National Association of Communication Centers. In fact, the GVSU Speech Lab is one of only 16 communication centers with a nationally certified training program.
The Speech Lab can be found in the Knowledge Market of the Pew Library on the Allendale campus or inside the Steelcase Library on the downtown Grand Rapids campus.
2023 GVSU 3MT Competition Winners
1st Place

Karina White, Biology
2nd Place

Autumn Cannon, Speech Language Pathology
3rd Place

Emily Bemben, Doctor of Nursing Practice
2023 3-Minute Thesis Competition Highlights
3MT Spotlight: Mariana Naddaf
Mariana Naddaf was 3MT participant in 2016 and her thesis was recently considered for the MAGS 2019 Distinguished Master’s Thesis Awards .
What experience did you gain from the competition?
Through the competition and practice I did in the Speech Lab, I was able to hone in on my presentation, writing, and communication skills. Also, it gave me the experience to hear about my peers' research topics, methods, and results. It was an exiting competition!
What is one piece of advice you have for current GVSU graduate students?
Take advantage of the resources you have available to you. I was able to complete a thesis, apply for conferences, receive funding support from GVSU for conferences, and participate in the 3-Minute Thesis Competition.

For more information about this international competition, visit the official 3MT website.