Six talented graduate students are set to face off in the finals of the NDSU Graduate School’s Three Minute Thesis Competition, scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 17, at 2 p.m. in the Anishinaabe Theater of the Memorial Union.
The finalists advanced after a preliminary round where a total of 25 students submitted videos about their research projects. Each preliminary round winner received $250, while the championship round winner will receive an additional $1,000.
The contestants have 180 seconds to present their thesis in terms anyone can understand. An 80,000-word thesis would take nine hours to present in full. The competition challenges students to present their work clearly and concisely.
“Taking years of research and condensing it into a three-minute presentation is a huge undertaking, especially when the presentation must be written for a lay audience,” said Melissa Selders-Ortez, Graduate School academic support administrator. “Through this process, students develop presentation and communication skills and learn to explain their research effectively. Strong communication skills prepare students for success in the job market and in their careers.”
The finalists and their presentation titles include:
• Yue Shen, doctoral student in pharmaceutical sciences, “Chronic Central Administration of Apelin-13 Induces Blood-pressure Elevation and Cardiac Remodeling in Conscious Rats.” Shen’s advisor is Chengwen Sun, associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences.
• Biraj Saha, doctoral student in civil, construction and environmental engineering, “Breaking the Chain(s) of Forever Chemicals.” Saha’s advisor is Syeed Md Iskander, assistant professor of civil, construction and environmental engineering.
• Ellysa Johnson, master’s degree student in natural resource science, “A Piece of Cake: Updated Monarch (Danaus plexippus L.) Conservation in North Dakota Rangelands.” Johnson’s advisors are Torre Hovick, assistant professor in the School of Natural Resource Sciences, and Jason Harmon, associate professor in the School of Natural Resource Sciences.
• McKenna Wegner, master’s degree student in English, “Better Safe than Sorry: Social Media Responses to Emerging COVID-19 Research in the News.” Wegner’s advisor is Holly Hassel, professor of English.
• Kishore Chittimalli, doctoral student in pharmaceutical sciences, “Restructuring the Gut Microbiome for Healthy Aging.” Chittimalli’s advisor is Yagna Jarajapu, associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences.
• Nathaniel Johnson, doctoral candidate in health, nutrition and exercise sciences, “Protein Intake and Muscle Health.” Johnson’s advisor is Sherri Stastny, professor of health, nutrition and exercise sciences.
The competitors will be judged in the areas of content, comprehension, communication and engagement.
The NDSU Graduate School hosted its first Three Minute Thesis competition in 2015. Since then, more than 200 NDSU graduate students have showcased their research for staff, faculty, fellow students and community leaders.
The University of Queensland hosted the first competition in 2008 and the idea has spread worldwide.
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