Want to have a chance at winning $300? Come to the event called 3MT (Three Minute Thesis), which the Graduate Student Government (GSG) has been preparing. This event is an academic competition that encourages graduate students to showcase their research to a variety of audiences. They offer this opportunity to students so that they can improve their research and develop skills for upcoming job opportunities.
If this sounds interesting to you, there are two sessions: a plenary session, which will occur from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and a final session from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. These sessions will be held at the Isle Royale Ballroom in the Memorial Union Building on Tuesday, Nov. 4. There will be awards for the top presenting students: first place will receive $300, second place will get $200, and there will also be a people’s choice, who will receive $100. Even without the cash reward, however, it is a valuable experience to have.
Israel Adeoye, GSG’s Research Chair, said, “You can receive valuable feedback from professors, judges, and scholars, which can actually assist in the progress of your research.” Although feedback can sometimes be tough to accept, it is necessary for improvement. The fact that students are able to present their research to people who can help them provides a useful experience that others may not have access to.
Geeta Nain, GSG’s Professional Development Chair, wanted to point out that there will be an audience attending the event. “Students communicate their research clearly to a non-specialist audience in a concise manner.” This highlights the importance of having an audience that can offer students a more realistic experience, where they are being analyzed.
If you are looking for more information about the event, you can go to the GSG website at gsg.mtu.edu under “Research” or find one of their fliers around campus, where there will be a QR code that you can scan to register for 3MT. Registration is due by Oct. 29, so make sure to apply before then. They also have an Instagram page if you would like to follow them, @gsg.mtu, where they post more information about the event as well.
