TWU holds timed thesis competition

Sierra Taylor, Managing Editor

When writing a thesis, many graduate students have difficulty with condensing their years of research, literature and analysis into a well-constructed paper. Explaining such extensive material in fewer than three minutes might seem nearly impossible to many students, but a campus event seeks to change this perception.

On Monday, Nov. 2 from 6 -9 p.m. TWU students will have an opportunity to participate in a Three Minute Thesis competition, hosted by the Pioneer Center for Student Excellence.

In a recent interview with The Lasso, Coordinator for Learning Success Programs, Theresa Lindsay said: “The Three Minute Thesis contest is a research communication competition to challenge master and doctoral students to present compelling oration on their thesis or dissertation topic in just three minutes.”

The first Three Minute Thesis was held at the University of Queensland in 2008, but the competition has since grown and is held at universities throughout the world. During the contest, competitors can use a single static PowerPoint slide. However, students are not allowed the additional use of electronic media or props.

According to Lindsay, the competition provides a valuable opportunity for graduate students to come together, get to know one another and talk about their research.

Lindsay elaborated: “Participation in the Three Minute Thesis competition develops presentation and research communication skills, while honing graduate students’ ability to effectively explain the breadth and significance of their research to a non-specialist audience.”

Lindsay added that the students are judged on basis of engagement, communication and comprehension for the chance to win a financial prize. Each judge will issue a score and determine first place, which receives a $1,000 prize, and second place, which receives a $500 prize. Additionally, audience members will be able to vote for their favorite presentation, and the People’s Choice will be awarded $200.

Lindsay stated that in addition to participation looking great on students’ curriculum vitae, the competition also gives undergraduate, alumni, industry partners and the community a chance to be exposed to the breadth of research taking place at TWU.