Three Minute Thesis
NMU began its annual participation in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition in 2018 and continues to expand its programming. Each year, NMU students will compete for recognition, prizes, and a spot in the regional competition. Three Minute Thesis was developed by The University of Queensland (UQ) in 2008. "3MT cultivates students’ academic, presentation, and research communication skills. The competition supports their capacity to effectively explain their research in three minutes, in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience."
Each candidate is limited to three minutes and one static PowerPoint slide to aid in the presentation of their thesis research. Students must be actively enrolled in a graduate program and must present original research.
This years Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition will be held Tuesday, February 20th, 2024. Northern Center Ballroom IV. 3pm-5pm. If you are unable to make it in person, please consider joining by Zoom! 3MT Zoom Link | Meeting ID: 979 4054 3778 | Passcode: 999530
2024 Winners
Graduate Students
- 1st place: Megan Wells, Psychological Science
- 2nd place: Alexia Dalton, Psychological Science
- 3rd place: Yousef Qadumi, Exercise Science
- People's choice: Megan Wells
McNair Students
- 1st place: Katelyn Younglove, Biology
- Runner up: Sabrina Mata, Medicinal Plant Chemistry
- People's choice: Katelyn Younglove
The winners received prizes for their accomplishments, and the graduate first-place winner represented NMU at the Midwest Association of Graduate Schools 3MT competition.
Thank you to our judges: Adam Lavigne, Liza Fust, Patricia Davis, Andrew Rickauer, and Rich VanderVeen
Watch the Event
2023 Winners
Graduate Students
- 1st Place: Nathan Joyal, Integrated Bioscience
- Runner up: Kristian Choate, Biology
- People's Choice: Megan Wells, Psychological Science
McNair Students
- 1st Place: Adan Mulvaney, Communications
- Runner up: Abby Irish, Biology
- People's Choice: Abby Irish, Biology
The winners received prizes for their accomplishments, and the graduate first-place winner represented NMU at the Midwest Association of Graduate Schools 3MT competition.
Thank you to our judges: Marina Dupler, Adam Kall, Olivia Kingery, and Beth Millner
2022 Winners
Graduate Students
- 1st Place: Caro Els, Exercise Science
- Runner-Up: Nicole Thomas, Psychological Sciences
- People's Choice: Caro Els, Exercise Science
McNair Students
- 1st Place: Mandy Bonesteel, Sociology
- Runner-Up: Gwen Murray, Mathematics
- People's Choice: Mandy Bonesteel, Sociology
The winners received prizes for their accomplishments, and the graduate first-place winner represented NMU at the Midwest Association of Graduate Schools 3MT competition.
Thank you to our judges: Tom Anthos, Dan Arnold, Amy Berglund, and Meagan Morrison
2021 Winners
Graduate Students
- 1st place: Emily Griffith, Biology
- Runner up: Xochitl Delgado, Psychological Sciences
- People's choice: Emily Klinkman, Exercise Science
McNair Students
- 1st place: Stephanie Baklarz, Medicinal Plant Chemistry
- Runner up: Ashley Martinez, History
- People's choice: Jalen Sims, Graphic Design
The first place graduate winner, Emily Griffith.
Thank you to our judges: Debb Brunnell, Nathan Larsen, Kristen Lucas, and Chris Standerford
2020 Winners
Graduate Students
- 1st place: Madeline Hernstrom-Hill, English Department
- Runner up: Grant Steinacher, Biology Department
- People's choice: Rachael Nelson, Biology Department
McNair Students
- 1st place: Cynthia Benson, Criminal Justice
- Runner up: Shumete Sam, Department of Social Work
- People's choice: Cynthia Benson, Criminal Justice
The first place graduate winner, Madeline Hernstrom-Hill, received $300 and travel to the Midwest Association of Graduate Schools conference to compete at the next level!
Thank you to our judges: Evan Bonsall, Jim LaJoie, Tammy Nyen, and Mike Rochon
2019 Winners
Graduate Students
- 1st place: Kathryn Bianga, School of Business
- Runner up: Veronica Snow, Biology Department
- People's choice: Jaime VanEnkevort, School of Education, Leadership and Public Service
McNair Students
- 1st place: Cecilia Ruiz, Neuroscience
- Runner up: Brittney Moore, Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center
- People's choice: Cecilia Ruiz, Neuroscience
The first place graduate winner, Kathryn Bianga, received $500 and travel to the Midwest Association of Graduate Schools conference to compete at the next level!
Thank you to our judges: Lizzie Corser, Jim LaJoie, Chad Mager, Evelyn Massaro, and Jason Nicholas
For information about previous years' 3MT competitions, click here.