Three Minutes, One Big Idea
Mastering the Art of Research Communication: UAF’s 3MT Competition
UAF Graduate Student, Aaron Salzman, won first place for his thesis presentation in the 2022 3-Minute-Thesis final, held at Schaible Auditorium on the lower UAF Troth Yeddha Campus, 11/3/22.
Graduate students at UAF are gearing up to captivate audiences and communicate their groundbreaking research—all in just three minutes. The Three-Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition, originally developed by The University of Queensland, is an international event that challenges students to distill years of work into a compelling presentation for a non-specialist audience.
This year’s event promises fierce competition, a chance to win substantial cash prizes, and invaluable personal and professional growth. Preliminary heats will take place on February 13th, 2025, via Zoom, with the finals scheduled for February 26th, 2025, at the Schaible Auditorium. The top participants will represent UAF at the regional WAGS competition in Denver, CO, from March 16th–19th, 2025.
“Communication skills are critical for scientists regardless of discipline,” says Amy May, Professor and Chair of the Department of Communication. According to May, translating complex scientific ideas for a general audience fosters engagement with science, improves public understanding on topics like climate change or medical discoveries, and helps bridge the gap between scientists and the public.
Weekly Workshops to Hone Presentation Skills
To prepare students for this year’s competition, the UAF Communication Center is hosting a series of workshops designed to build presentation and storytelling skills. These sessions are open to all graduate students and can be attended in person at the Communication Center on the 6th floor of the library or virtually via Zoom.
UAF Photo by Marina Santos
Graduate student Nora McIntyre presents her 3-Minute Thesis; Universe Babay, A Cosmic Tragedy on Friday, November 3, 2023 in the Schaible Auditorium.
Here’s the lineup of workshops:
The Pillars of Your 3MT
Explore the fundamental pillars of the 3MT by analyzing competitive entries and making
connections to your research.
Date: Thursday, January 16th, 1–2 p.m.
Telling Your Story
Participants will work in small groups to sketch their research story into the 3MT
formula.
Date: Thursday, January 23rd, 1–2 p.m.
Building Your Slide
Participants will focus on their vision for their presentation and work in small groups
to draft their static slide for use during competition.
Date: Thursday, January 30th, 1–2 p.m.
Practicing Your Delivery
This workshop focuses on the fundamental aspects of delivery on Zoom.
Date: Thursday, February 6th, 1–2 p.m.
Mock Trials & Feedback
Participants will have an opportunity to practice their 3MTs in an environment that
mimics competition day. They will receive feedback from judges to promote continuous
improvement.
Date: Friday, February 7th, 1–2 p.m.
“Come visit us at the Com Center!” urges Tori McDermott, Assistant Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Communication. “You don’t have to go on this journey alone! From one-on-one coaching to asynchronous resources, we offer so much support.”
Beyond the Competition
3-Minute-Thesis first place winner, Aaron Salzman.
The benefits of participating in 3MT extend far beyond cash prizes, which include $750 for first place, $500 for second, and $250 for third, along with awards for People’s Choice, Most Improved Speaker, Alumni Choice, and Center ICE Award.
“I think it is a unique event because you get to take a very niche and technical document that you have worked really hard on and develop it to a message that resonates with any audience,” McDermott explains. “It is an amazing opportunity for building communication skills and testing your message design and delivery skills.”
McDermott notes that the process equips students for professional opportunities. “Students grow in everything from strategic message design to overcoming some of the anxiety associated with public speaking. It also helps prepare students to succeed on the job market as they get to identify and refine the ‘so what’ of their research throughout the preparation process.”
May agrees, noting that the competition helps students build essential skills like audience analysis, public speaking, storytelling, and the use of rhetorical devices. The challenge of condensing years of complex research into just three minutes makes these skills invaluable for both academic and professional success.
How to Get Involved
If you’re interested in participating in the 3MT competition, there are many resources available to help you succeed. The UAF Communication Center offers workshops and one-on-one coaching to develop your presentation and storytelling skills. For more information about these resources, visit the Communication Center page or contact Nike Jacob, Director of the Communication Center, at uaf-commcenter@alaska.edu.
To learn more about the 3MT event itself, visit the UAF Graduate School 3MT page. For specific questions about the competition, email Maddie Chetty, Program Coordinator, at mlchetty@alaska.edu. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your research and hone your communication skills!
Mark your calendars and join the celebration of research, storytelling, and communication excellence at UAF’s Three-Minute Thesis competition!