More than 40 NDSU graduate students will present their research and vie for prize money in the annual Three Minute Thesis competition scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 22. The competition, sponsored by Sanford Health, is slated for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in NDSU’s Memorial Union. In addition to the competition, attendees will have the opportunity to interact with students sharing research and projects at the Graduate Student Showcase. This event is free and open to the public.
This is the fourth time the NDSU the College of Graduate and Interdisciplinary Studies is hosting the event. Students were nominated by the faculty leadership in their majors to participate.
“Being able to communicate with interdisciplinary teams is an essential skill in today’s work world. The competition helps students hone this skill to give them an edge in a competitive job market,” said Brandy Randall, associate dean of the College of Graduate and Interdisciplinary Studies. “The breadth of topics presented in such a quick and interesting manner showcases the excellent graduate student research produced at NDSU”.
The competition encourages students to bring their groundbreaking work out of the classroom or laboratory to share with the public. “This competition requires students to explain their work in common terms, which will prepare them for future careers,” Randall said.
The competition features graduate students from a variety of disciplines explaining the goals and value of their research in terms relevant to government officials, media, future employers and funding organization representatives.
A typical 80,000-word thesis would take nine hours to present; the competitors are given just three minutes. The winner will be awarded a $1,000 grand prize and each finalist will receive $250. The champion also will compete in the Western Association of Graduate Schools Regional Three Minute Thesis Competition in Las Vegas in March.
Australia's University of Queensland developed the first Three Minute Thesis competition in 2008, and the concept has spread to institutions around the world. More than 350 universities in more than 18 countries now hold competitions.
As a student-focused, land-grant, research university, we serve our citizens.