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 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.
2024 GVSU 3MT 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
A record of 18 participants!
From left to right
First row: Abdul Ciise, Anthony Raona, Brooke Dudick, Co Nguyen, Grace Forlines, and Jacob Pung
Second row: Jowei Yek, Kate Lucas, Keely Dunham, Mary Claire Meimers, Mason Kolanowski, and Max Kelly
Third row: Obed Boateng, Rheyna Bui, Taylor Deschaine-Hurd, Ty Rizer, Victoria Harrison, and Zhen Lu
To check out the bio of all the participants, click here!
2024 3-Minute Thesis Competition Highlight
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.
2023 3-Minute Thesis Competition Highlights
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.
For more information about this international competition, visit the official 3MT website.