If you want to know more about emerging research at the Volgenau School of Engineering, a good place to start is at the Three Minute Thesis competition’s preliminary round on Friday, March 3.
At the prelims, 20 Volgenau PhD students will take on the challenge of explaining their research to a general audience in three minutes. The topics include research from Computer Science, Bioengineering, and Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering to name a few.
"The competition is a great way to learn about the research going on in the school," said Senior Associate Dean Stephen Nash. “This research is conducted quietly in our labs and offices. Occasionally we hear about a faculty award, but those announcements are just glimpses at a broader activity. The work of our PhD students is an integral part of that activity."
Being able to communicate the importance of research in a clear and concise manner to wide audiences is a skill that can increase the success of job searches, funding proposals, and professional networking. The Three Minute Thesis (3MT™) is designed to give students a chance to polish these skills as part of an energizing, fun, and challenging academic competition.
Last week the Office of Graduate Studies hosted a practice session for 3MT competitors to gather, test their skills, and obtain feedback. This week they will face off against each other and students from other schools.
"I encourage everyone to stop by and cheer on the Volgenau students," said Nash.
If you decide to go:
Preliminary rounds will be held Friday, March 3 in The Hub, Rooms 4 and 5 on the Fairfax Campus, 9 am – 5 pm.