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 April 2024. Awards are as follows:

• First Place: $500 cash prize
• Second Place: $250 cash prize
• Third Place: $100 cash prize
• People's Choice: Swag bag

Learn more about the MAGS 3MT® Competition

Students completing graduate level projects, dissertations, and theses are eligible to participate in the competition.

1st Place Winner - Jowei Yek 

Jowei Yek, an international student from Malaysia, is currently pursuing a dual master's degree in Business Administration and Social Innovation. With a keen interest in harmonizing the fields of business and nonprofits, Jowei demonstrated his expertise by crafting actionable business strategies for organizations like the Fulton Street Market. Presently, he is dedicated to exploring innovative approaches that empower businesses to create lasting, meaningful impacts within the Grand Rapids community.

Presentation title: Perceived Costs and Benefits to Employing Intern-national Students

2nd Place Winner - Kate Lucas

Kate is a current graduate student at GVSU, pursuing a master’s degree in biology with a focus in Aquatic Science. Originally from St. Louis, she completed her undergraduate degree at Iowa State University where she double majored in Biology and Environmental Studies. Her passion for water led her to work in Dr. Al Steinman’s lab at the Annis Water Resources Institute, where she now helps research aquatic ecosystems around the state.

Presentation title: Impact of Climate Change and Restoration on Phosphorus Loading in an Impaired Wetland

3rd Place Winner - Rheyna Bui

A Grand Rapids native, with Vietnamese and African-American roots, Rheyna Bui delves into the vibrant tapestry of identity and culture through the lens of communication. Rheyna received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing-Sales and Supply Chain Management from GVSU in 2021. At 23, Rheyna is pursuing a Master of Science in Communications, while honing her skills as a Digital Communications Associate at Home Repair Services of Kent County fueling her passion for building connections and amplifying diverse voices.

Presentation title: Identity Negotiations of Multiracial Vietnamese-Americans Through the Lens of Hybridity

People's Choice Winner - Grace Forlines

Grace Forlines is a dedicated and compassionate advocate for inclusivity and accessibility, currently pursuing her Master of Public Health at Grand Valley State University. While holding a bachelor’s degree in clinical Exercise Science, she has developed a passion for promoting engagement in physical activity. Grace proudly serves as the Physical Activity Section Program Vice Chair through the American Public Health Association, showing her dedication to advancing inclusive health practices. In her previous roles as a personal trainer and group exercise instructor at the campus rec center, she developed a strong interest in researching and implementing inclusive.

Presentation title: Exercise for Everybody: Inclusive Fitness Programming for College Students with Disabilities

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.

Previous years' GVSU 3-Minute Thesis Competition Highlights.