Three Minute Thesis (3MT)® Competition

The Three Minute Thesis® Competition challenges graduate students to explain their thesis or dissertation in 3 minutes or less to a non-specialist audience. The competition supports your capacity to effectively explain your research in three minutes, in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.

The idea for 3MT® came about at a time when the state of Queensland was suffering severe drought. To conserve water, residents were encouraged to time their showers, and many people had a three minute egg timer fixed to the wall in their bathroom. The then Dean of The University of Queensland Graduate School, Emeritus Professor Alan Lawson, put two and two together and the idea for the 3MT® competition was born.

The 2025-2026 3MT Competition here at Southern has concluded. Thank you to all of our amazing participants! We look forward to seeing you again next year!

The call for submissions for the 2026-2027 3MT Competition will open on October 2nd.

The 2027 3MT Finalist Competition will be held on February 18th 2027 from 4PM – 6PM in the Adanti Student Center. 

Registration is not currently open.

• A completed application form
• An abstract of their research or project
• A link to a YouTube video of their 3-minute presentation for pre-screening

• Sharpen Your Communication Skills: Learn to present your research clearly and concisely to a non-specialist audience. This skill is essential for interviews, networking, and public engagement.
• Boost Your Confidence: Gain experience speaking in front of an audience and receive feedback that helps you grow as a communicator.
• Increase Visibility for Your Research: Share your work with a broader community and spark interest in your field. It’s a great way to make your research accessible and impactful.

• Enhance Your Career Prospects: Employers value candidates who can explain complex ideas simply. 3MT® helps you stand out in both academic and non-academic job markets.

• Presentations are limited to 3 minutes and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
• Presentations are to be spoken word (no poems, raps, or songs).
• Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through speech.
• A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’) and is to be presented from the beginning of the oration.
• No additional electronic media (e.g., sound and video files) are permitted.
• No additional props (e.g., costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
• The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

• Presentation provided clear motivation, background, and significance to the research question.
• Presentation clearly described the research strategy/design and the results/findings of the research.
• Presentation clearly described the conclusions, outcomes, and impact of the research.

• The oration was delivered clearly, and the language was appropriate for a non-specialist audience.
• The PowerPoint slide was well-defined and enhanced the presentation.
• The presenter conveyed enthusiasm for their research and captured and maintained the audience’s attention.

An important aspect of the competition is the People’s Choice prize. Following all presentations, the audience is asked to vote on who they thought gave the most convincing 3MT® presentation (based on their understanding of the criteria above).

A finalist can be the winner or runner-up and still receive the People’s Choice award.

• Winner- Finalist: $500
• Runner up: $300
• Note: The winner of the competition may have the opportunity to advance to regional, national, or international levels. However, only one individual—either the winner of the doctoral category or the master’s category—will be selected by the judges to represent Southern at the regional competition.
   

• Winner- Finalist: $500
• Runner up: $300
• Note: The winner of the competition may have the opportunity to advance to regional, national, or international levels. However, only one individual—either the winner of the doctoral category or the master’s category—will be selected by the judges to represent Southern at the regional competition.
   

• Winner- Finalist: $500
• Runner up: $300
• Note: Winners are not eligible to advance to regional/national/international competitions due to official 3MT® rules. 
   

Aishwarya Anand Master of Business Administration, School of Business

Jasmine Ellison Sociology, College of Arts and Sciences

Sean Laragy Clinical Mental Health Counseling, College of Education

Alison Onofrio Doctor of Social Work, College of Health and Human Services

Keith Smith Doctor of Educational Leadership, College of Education

Liz Schacht Doctor of Social Work, College of Health and Human Services

Nate Suver Doctor of Business Administration, School of Business

Faculty Judges: Dr. Kevin Buterbaugh, Dr. Stephanie Fumiatti, Dr. Tara Hanlon, Dr. Patrick Heidkamp, Dr. Nicole Henderson, Dr. William R. Lunn, Dr. Kelly Martinez, Dr. Kenneth McGill, and Dr. Zheni Wang. 

Keith Smith Doctor of Educational Leadership, College of Education

Thank you to our wonderful workshop facilitators:

• Dr. Tess Marchant-Shapiro SCSU Writing Director, Professor of Political Science
• Rebecca Hedreen M.L.I.S., Library Services
• Lisa Kuchta Professor in Communications, Media, & Screen Studies.