The University of Alabama Graduate School announced the winners of the 2024 Three-Minute Thesis competition held Nov. 20. The winning topics focused mainly on biological sciences in a variety of ways.
The competition encourages participants not to simplify their research but to distill their ideas and effectively communicate complex discoveries. It also highlights the participants’ hard work and skill development.
“Our students know that this is a very transferrable skill,” said Dr. Andrew Goodliffe, associate dean of the Graduate School. “This competition not only enhances their ability to communicate complex ideas but also prepares them for success in diverse professional environments.”
This Year’s Winners
First Place: Kyle Breault, biological sciences, for his presentation “Tiny Insects, Big Impact: DNA Analysis of Caddisfly Diets.” Breault received a $1,500 scholarship. He will represent UA at the Council of Southern Graduate Schools regional finals in Dallas, Texas, in March 2025.
Second Place: Paromita Sarker, chemical and biological engineering, for her presentation “Making a Brain-Like Environment to Understand Drug Impact on Breast Cancer.” Sarker was awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
Third Place: Henry Mauser, biological sciences, “A Microbial Murder Mystery: How the Blood-Brain Barrier Fails During Meningitis.” Mauser was awarded a $750 scholarship and was also awarded an additional $750 scholarship for earning the People’s Choice Award.
Fourth Place: Samantha Burke, communication and information sciences, for her presentation “New Ways to Study Grief: Public Memorials in The United States.” Burke was awarded a $250 scholarship.
UA’s 3MT® participants frequently earn top-three placements and People’s Choice awards in regional level. In 2022, Carmen Foster, a doctoral student in social work, brought home the regional title and competed at the national finals.
About the Competition
This highly anticipated, annual event showcases the exceptional research and communication skills of UA’s graduate students.
The 3MT® competition was originally developed by the University of Queensland, Australia. It challenges graduate students to present their research and its significance in just three minutes using language that a non-specialist audience can understand.
The 2024 3MT® finals will air on Alabama Public Television early 2025, offering a wider audience the opportunity to view the thorough presentations.
Learn more about the competition and other Graduate School information on their website.