The competition challenges students to present their work clearly and concisely. Contestants will be judged in the areas of content, comprehension, communication and engagement.
Six graduate students are set to compete in the final round of the NDSU Graduate School’s Three Minute Thesis Competition scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. in the Memorial Union’s Anishinaabe Theater.
The finalists made it through the competition’s preliminary round and received $250. The championship round winner will receive an additional $1,000.
The Three Minute Thesis Competition allows graduate students to present a compelling discussion on their research topic, including its significance and relevance to the general public, in three minutes or less while using terminology that everyone can understand. The competition challenges students to present their work clearly and concisely. Contestants will be judged in the areas of content, comprehension, communication and engagement.
Below are this year’s finalists:
Name: Justine Kilama
Hometown: Pader, Uganda
Area of study: Doctoral student in microbiology, focusing on livestock microbiomes and reproductive efficiency in cattle
Advisor: Samat Amat, assistant professor of microbiological sciences
Presentation title: “Harnessing microbiome to improve health and reproductive efficiency in cattle”
Overview of research:
My research focuses on leveraging the potential of microbiomes to enhance performance and reproductive efficiency in cattle. I aim to uncover the microbial communities associated with fertility and overall reproductive health, with the goal of developing microbiome-based strategies to improve breeding efficiency. Additionally, part of my work explores optimizing the gut microbiome in cows to improve feed efficiency, promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture.
Why did you choose NDSU?
I chose NDSU because of its strong agricultural research programs, particularly microbiome research at the microbiology department. I was fortunate to receive a doctoral research opportunity from Dr. Samat Amat, whose lab focuses on livestock microbial ecology which aligns well with my research interests.
In addition, NDSU is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, like The Dr. Thomas Glass Biotech Innovation Core Lab in the microbiology department, which houses several advanced technologies and equipment for microbiome research.
How has the research environment at NDSU contributed to your development as a researcher?
The interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment at NDSU has been instrumental in my growth as a doctoral student. With access to expert faculties and scholarship opportunities, NDSU enables me to strengthen not only my research skills, but also my capabilities in scientific communication and entrepreneurship which position me for meaningful contribution to both research and sustainable agriculture.
Specifically, the close collaboration between the microbiology and animal science department is granting me a platform to integrate the knowledge of microbial ecology with animal reproductive and digestive physiology which is crucial in developing microbiome-driven strategies to enhance livestock health and efficiency.
Name: Edward Cedrick Fernandez
Hometown: Los Baños, Laguna
Area of study: Doctoral student in genomics, phenomics and bioinformatics
Advisor: Zhikai Liang, assistant professor of plant science
Presentation title: “Uncovering Leaf Segmental Responses to Heat Stress in Barley”
Overview of research:
We aim to integrate multi-omics approaches, statistical modeling and advanced phenotyping techniques to address the numerous challenges posed by an ever-changing climate. Our specific goal is to enhance crop yield and quality, strengthen resistance against pests and diseases, and improve abiotic stress resilience in key crops such as barley, wheat, maize and common beans as they adapt to evolving environmental conditions.
Why did you choose NDSU?
NDSU’s strong emphasis on agricultural research, extension and education makes it an ideal choice for me to pursue further studies. Additionally, I have the privilege of conducting research under Dr. Liang’s guidance, utilizing computational biology to enhance the climate resilience of crops.
How has the research environment at NDSU contributed to your development as a researcher?
At NDSU, access to cutting-edge facilities and equipment, combined with pioneering ideas and innovative methods, has significantly accelerated my growth as a researcher, even in just my second semester. Likewise, the collaborative environment, the culture of continuous learning and the opportunity to work alongside experts have shaped me into a more adept and inquisitive scientist.
Name: Allana Martins
Hometown: Cascavel, Brazil
Area of study: Doctoral student in pharmaceutical sciences
Advisor: Roberto Gomes, assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences
Presentation title: “Targeting Tumor Survival: A Selective Approach to Pancreatic Cancer Therapy”
Research overview:
Pancreatic cancer (PDAC) is the third deadliest malignancy, with a high mortality rate primarily due to late-stage diagnosis and limited treatment options. Current therapies like chemotherapy and radiation are non-selective, often harming normal cells and causing severe side effects. Our research aims to develop selective small-molecule inhibitors of COPZ1 to disrupt tumor cell functions such as protein trafficking and stress responses while sparing normal cells. Targeting COPZ1 in COPZ2-deficient PDAC cells could improve survival outcomes and potentially overcome resistance to current treatments.
Why did you choose NDSU?
I chose NDSU because it combines academic excellence and a welcoming campus atmosphere. The opportunity to interact closely with accessible professors, along with hands-on learning experiences, is another reason I was drawn to NDSU. Additionally, the vibrant and diverse student body creates an enriching cultural environment, while the strong research opportunities in my field align with my academic and professional goals. The positive, supportive community feeling on campus and the thriving city of Fargo also made me feel confident that NDSU would provide a fulfilling experience for me and my daughter.
How has the research environment at NDSU contributed to your development as a researcher?
NDSU’s supportive academic environment, with access to comprehensive professional development programs, jointly with cutting-edge research facilities, enables me to grow not only as a scientist but also as a professional. The collaborative nature of the NDSU community allows me to connect with fellow graduate students and researchers, fostering an atmosphere of knowledge exchange and intellectual growth.
Name: Aditya Goyal
Hometown: Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
Area of study: Doctoral student in materials and nanotechnology, focusing on water treatment and sustainable nanomaterials
Advisor: Achintya Bezbaruah, Gehrts Presidential Professor and department chair of civil, construction and environmental engineering
Presentation title: “Creating Sustainable Phosphorus Fertilizers”
Research overview:
Eutrophication, a process driven by excessive phosphate pollution, affects 34% of lakes in the U.S., harming biodiversity and water quality. Ironically, phosphorus is also a critical component of fertilizers, yet we are facing a global phosphorus shortage. My research provides a sustainable solution by using calcium peroxide nanoparticles to remove phosphate from lakes and repurpose it as fertilizer. My research aims to bridge environmental sustainability and agricultural needs, offering a scalable and cost-effective method for addressing water pollution while conserving a vital resource for food production.
Why did you choose NDSU?
NDSU provides a strong research-driven environment with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration. I was particularly drawn to the Environmental Nanotechnology Lab, where I could integrate materials science, environmental engineering and sustainability into my research. The opportunity to work under Dr. Bezbaruah, who is known for his expertise in water treatment technologies, made NDSU the perfect place for me to pursue my doctorate.
How has the research environment at NDSU contributed to your development as a researcher?
At NDSU, I’ve had the freedom to explore and innovate while receiving valuable mentorship and collaboration opportunities. The university has provided access to state-of-the-art research facilities, which have been critical in developing and testing my nanoparticles. Additionally, interdisciplinary collaboration with scientists from materials science, chemistry and environmental engineering has strengthened my research. Beyond the lab, presenting at conferences and participating in 3MT has helped me develop science communication skills, allowing me to share my work with broader audiences.
Name: Jan Vincent Madayag
Hometown: La Union, Philippines
Area of study: Doctoral student in coatings and polymeric materials
Advisor: Eugene Caldona, assistant professor of coatings and polymeric materials
Presentation title: “Petal Power: Leaves No Rust Behind”
Research overview:
Corrosion poses significant safety and economic challenges across industries such as construction, transportation and energy. Traditional inhibitors, while effective, often face issues related to toxicity, environmental impact and cost, driving the need for sustainable alternatives. Sundown plant extracts are found to be rich in antioxidants, particularly terpenoids, which exhibit excellent corrosion inhibition properties. Herein, we propose sundown extract as a green, cost-effective corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in an acidic environment.
Why did you choose NDSU?
I am an avid fan of education, and as a former university lecturer before coming here in the U.S., I witnessed firsthand how it crosslinks science to society. The lessons of the pandemic have been a catalyst for the ever-daunting pursuit of higher education to acquire new skills and knowledge, which I aim to pass on to my students to help them shape a better world. NDSU’s distinction as an R1 research institution perfectly aligns with my goal to refine my expertise and empower me to make a meaningful impact on my students and the world.
How has the research environment at NDSU contributed to your development as a researcher?
NDSU has continually exceeded my expectations for cultivating a culture of growth and innovation. The advanced facilities within CPM have been essential to the success of my research, bringing new ideas to life. Additionally, working with talented peers and mentors has allowed me to refine my focus, improve my strategies and ensure continuous progress, transforming setbacks into valuable reactions that spur further growth and push me toward creating innovative solutions.
Name: Nastaran Shahzadeh
Hometown: Tehran, Iran
Area of study: Doctoral student in coatings and polymeric materials
Advisor: Dean C. Webster, professor and chair of coatings and polymeric materials
Presentation title: “Breaking the ice: innovative surface technology for superior ice protection”
Research overview:
We developed a bilayer technology for anti-icing applications that is designed to be effective on both small and big scales. Its low adhesion strength reduces ice accumulation in small-scale applications, and its low interfacial toughness ensures effective ice removal in large-scale structures. This bilayer system consists of a soft, compliant foam substrate covered by a high-modulus, hard protective layer.
Why did you choose NDSU?
I chose NDSU because of its focus on research and its commitment to equipping students with the essential skills and knowledge to solve real-world challenges. Furthermore, I highly value its emphasis on sustainability across most programs.
