The College of Graduate Studies and Research invites you to participate in the first-ever Winter Research Day on February 19, 2026, an all-day event held in the 1100 Jamrich Lobby and 1100 Jamrich Lecture Hall. Registration closes February 6, 2026.
Events Include:
- Poster Presentations: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Three Minute Presentations (3MP – Undergraduate): 10:00–11:30 a.m.
- Fellowship and Scholarship Workshop 11:45 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
- Three Minute Thesis (3MT® – Graduate): 1:30–3:30 p.m.
- Scholarly Buzz Session: 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Prize Amounts:
- Posters: 1st $250 | Runner-up $150 | People’s Choice $75
- 3MP: 1st $450 | Runner-up $300 | People’s Choice $150
- 3MT®: 1st $750 + MAGS trip | Runner-up $450 | People’s Choice $150
How to Participate:
- You must be an active NMU student. Graduate students may enter 3MT® and Poster Presentations; undergraduates may enter 3MP and Poster Presentations. Projects must be original, but do not need to be thesis-based.
- To register, complete the Winter Research Day registration form.
Workshop:
- Three Minute Presentation Workshop - January 29, 2026, TSB 2810 Participation is not required to compete, but highly encouraged.
What are the Poster Presentations?
Poster presentations are a way for graduate and undergraduate students in all areas to discuss their research, creative, and/or scholarly activity in a visual format that is more in-depth than what you will see at 3MP and allows for more casual discussion than an oral presentation (and less pressure for new researchers). For Winter Research Day, our poster session will be limited to 50 posters.
What is 3MP?
Modeled after 3MT, this new undergraduate competition is open to all majors and disciplines. Students present their research, creative, or scholarly work in three minutes using one static slide, emphasizing clarity, creativity, and audience engagement. Winners receive cash prizes and campus recognition.
What is the Fellowship and Scholarship Workshop?
This workshop will provide an orientation to students interested in national fellowships or scholarships that support students studying, researching, or teaching English abroad. In this workshop, participants will examine several overseas programs; they will also participate in a short mock review of application essays.
What is 3MT®?
Part of an international competition developed by the University of Queensland (UQ) in 2008. 3MT challenges graduate students to clearly explain their research in just three minutes using one static PowerPoint slide. The goal is to communicate complex ideas in an engaging way that is accessible to a non-specialist audience. Winners receive prizes, campus recognition, and the opportunity to advance to the regional competition.
What is the Scholarly Buzz Session?
The Scholarly Buzz Sessions at NMU are a platform for faculty and staff to quickly present their research in three slides and five minutes. The event also provides a brief overview of the Office of Sponsored Programs and the College of Graduate Studies and Research. Everyone is welcome to attend this interdisciplinary research event held at least biannually in the Fall semester and again in the Winter semester. The event is designed to allow attendees, including the presenters, to come and go as teaching and class schedules allow.
Further information:
Questions? Attend the workshop above or contact the College of Graduate Studies and Research at 906-227-2300 or graduate@nmu.edu.
Info for Registered Participants
Thank you for registering for the event! Please review the information below to best prepare.
Three Minute Presentation Workshop
All students are encouraged to attend the Three Minute Presentation Workshop on January 29, from 3:30–4:30 p.m. in TSB 2810. Participation in this workshop is not required to compete in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) or Three Minute Presentation (3MP); however, it is highly encouraged.
If you are unable to attend in person, you may join via Zoom using the link below:
Topic: Three Minute Presentation Workshop
Time: Jan 29, 2026 03:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://nmu.zoom.us/j/97064107965?pwd=WopMP5sqU2EoEZBWZbin4hIdbEKd87.1
Meeting ID: 970 6410 7965
Passcode: 646863
Slide Submission for 3MT® and 3MP Participants
If you are presenting in 3MT® or 3MP, please submit your slide no later than Thursday, February 12, at 5:00 p.m.
When submitting your slide:
- Include Last Name, First Name, and Event (3MT® or 3MP) in the slide title
- Slides are limited to one per person
- Email your slide to graduate@nmu.edu
3MT® and 3MP Rules
- A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted
(no transitions, animations, or movement of any kind; the slide must be presented from the beginning of the oration) - No additional electronic media (e.g., sound or video files) are permitted
- No additional props (e.g., costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted
- Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum; exceeding this time results in disqualification
- Presentations must be spoken word only (no poems, raps, or songs)
- Presentations must commence from the stage
- A presentation is considered to have commenced when the presenter begins movement or speech
- The decision of the adjudicating panel is final
Winners will be announced at the conclusion of each event.
Practice Opportunities for 3MT® and 3MP
Students participating in 3MT® or 3MP will have the opportunity to practice their presentations on February 18. A sign-up for practice time slots will be sent out after registration closes on February 6.
Day-of Arrival Information
- Students participating in 3MT® are asked to arrive at Jamrich Hall, Room 1100, at 1:10 p.m. to ensure all participants receive lineup information and details regarding the flow of the event.
- Students participating in 3MP should arrive at Jamrich Hall, Room 1100, no later than 9:40 a.m.
Poster Presentation Participants
Please bring your poster to the ticket booth in Jamrich Hall on February 18 during one of the following time windows:
- 12:00–2:00 p.m.
- 3:00–5:00 p.m.
While not required, we strongly encourage students to have their posters printed through NMU Printing Services to ensure high-quality and timely printing. Please note that students are responsible for the cost of printing their posters.
Poster presenters are encouraged to engage with event attendees to discuss the subject matter as much as possible throughout the day, as your schedule allows.
Lunch Information
Lunch will be provided to all participants during the Fellowship and Scholarship Workshop, held from 11:45 a.m.–1:15 p.m. More information will be sent out regarding the location once we have that finalized. Be sure to register on the HUB so we can have an accurate count of who will be attending.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out by calling the Graduate Studies Office at 906-227-2300 or emailing graduate@nmu.edu. We look forward to your participation in Winter Research Day!
Workshop for Fellowships & Scholarships Abroad
This workshop will provide an orientation to students interested in national fellowships or scholarships that support students studying, researching, or teaching abroad.
The workshop is hands-on - please bring a laptop.
Part 1: Students will be provided with a choice of programs and will be guided through a basic program website review. In groups, they will present their findings.
Part 2: Students will be provided a rubric to evaluate application essays; in groups, they will evaluate a couple of short essays.
Lunch will be provided to workshop participants. To register, please go to The Hub.