Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition
Graduate students showcase innovative research at Nipissing University’s Three Minute Thesis competition
Nipissing University’s annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition took place on April 1, 2025, featuring graduate students presenting their research in a dynamic, three-minute format using a single slide. The event provided a platform for students to communicate their complex research to a broad audience, helping develop their skills in public speaking and research communication.
The panel of judges was comprised of local community members Donna Backer, Chad Evans and Kathy Wilcox. They evaluated each presentation on clarity, engagement, and the ability to communicate complex research to a general audience. After an exciting and informative round of presentations, Cassidy Brooks, MSc Kinesiology, was named winner, with Kieran Martin, MA History, named runner up, and Jaden Gilbert, MSc Kinesiology, selected as People’s Choice. Brooks will represent Nipissing University at the regional competition at the University of Toronto on May 14.
“It’s rewarding to see all the hard work that has gone into my research so far with all the support from my Supervisor Dr. Mark Bruner, Dr. Meredith Schertzinger and fellow lab members, Sophie Milner, Rebecca Misiasz and Cade Nolan. Having the opportunity to share my research through the 3MT® format in an accessible and engaging way for a broader audience has been challenging and rewarding,” said Brooks. “I’m extremely excited for the opportunity to represent the University and the G4YD Lab at the Regional 3MT® Competition and share my work on an even larger platform.”
The presenters included:
- Cassidy Brooks, Master of Science in Kinesiology
Title: More Than Sport – Youth: Supporting Youth Academy Athletes Through Sport Career Transitions - Kieran Martin, Master of Arts in History
Title: Why Speak: An Analysis of SS-Unterscharführer Oskar Gröning’s Account of Auschwitz - Jaden Gilbert, Master of Science in Kinesiology
Title: Changing the Game: Exploring Gender and Violence in Youth Basketball - Campbell McLean, Master of Environmental Science
Title: Effects of Regreening on Sudbury's Wetlands - Sophia Milner, Master of Science in Kinesiology
Title: Chaos to Cohesion: Helping Coaches Build Team Identity with T4Us - Michelle Campbell, Master of Science in Kinesiology
Title: Exploring Sex Differences in Grip Force Regulation - Katelyn Macintosh, Master of Arts in Sociology
Title: Alone but Not Unnoticed: Understanding the Hidden Pressures Facing International Students in Canada
“The 3MT® competition is an exciting opportunity for graduate students to share their research and its significance for addressing timely topics in our world today,” said Dr. Barbi Law, Associate Vice-President of Research, Innovation, and Graduate Studies at Nipissing University. “It’s not just about academic achievement; it’s about developing essential skills that will help our students become effective communicators, whether in academia, the workplace, or their communities.”
The 3MT® competition at Nipissing University is part of the institution’s ongoing commitment to fostering academic excellence, innovation, and the development of well-rounded graduate students. 3MT® was initially developed by The University of Queensland in 2008 to promote effective communication of research. What started with only a few institutions has evolved into a huge success for Canadian institutions. The top two presenters from the Ontario 3MT® competition will go on to represent the province at the Canadian Association for Graduate Studies (CAGS 3MT®) during their annual conference.
For more information about Nipissing University’s Office of Research, Innovation and Graduate Studies visit nipissingu.ca/departments/graduate-studies-and-research.