3MT® Competition

Applicants must submit a 3-minute video showcasing their research and the content they plan to present in the competition.

3MT® Application Video Submission Requirements:

• You must memorize your presentation. You are not allowed to use aids during the recording of your application video (this includes the use of signs, notes, computers, laptops, phones, or anything else that allows you to see the text of your presentation). In addition, you cannot have anyone else in the room with you during your recording (not for coaching and not for support).
• Your video presentation must be continuous; you will only be allowed to trim the beginning and end to remove the parts of the video where you are not presenting.
• No additional props (e.g., costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment, notes, laser pointers) are permitted.
• Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum.
• Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g., no poems, raps, or songs).
• Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through movement or speech.

Applicants must include a static PowerPoint slide to accompany their video, helping illustrate their research and the content they plan to present in the competition.

3MT® Application static PowerPoint Slide Submission Requirements:

• Only one single static PowerPoint slide is permitted - no slide transitions, animations or “movement” of any description are allowed.
• The static slide is to be presented from the beginning to the end of the oration.
• You may include images, diagrams, or text to help illustrate your thesis or dissertation research; if you are unsure if an image is copyrighted, check with your committee chair or contact the TAMU-CC Scholarly Communication Librarian at scholarlycommunications@tamucc.edu.
• No additional electronic media (e.g., sound and video files) are permitted.
• Please ensure slide dimensions are in the acceptable format (Widescreen, Ratio 16:9) 

To be considered for the Three Minute Thesis® competition, you will need to complete the official application form. As part of your submission, you will provide a 3-minute video of your presentation and one static PowerPoint slide summarizing your research. All materials must be submitted by October 2, 2025. Click here to apply now!

• Contestant must be a currently enrolled doctoral or master’s student at TAMU-CC and have a lead role in the research or working as part of a research team at TAMU-CC.
• Contestant must have approval from dissertation/thesis chair.
• Theses and dissertations at any stage of the process are eligible to participate in the competition.

• 1st Place: $1000
• 2nd Place: $750
• 3rd Place: $500
• People's Choice: $250 
  • Voting for the People's Choice Award requires attendance at the 3MT® event. Each attendee may cast only one vote.

3MT® Competition Rules: 

• A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or 'movement' of any description are allowed. 
• No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
• No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
• Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
• Presentations are to be spoken word (eg. no poems, raps, or songs).
• Presentations are to commence from the stage.
• Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech.
• The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Comprehension & Content

• Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background to the research question being addressed and its significance?

• Did the presentation clearly describe the key results of the research including conclusions and outcomes?

• Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?

• Was the thesis topic, key results and research significance and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?

• Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?

• Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation - or did they elaborate for too long on one aspect or was the presentation rushed?

Engagement & Communication

• Did the presentation make the audience want to know more?

• Was the presenter careful not to trivialise or generalize their research?

• Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?

• Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience's attention?

• Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact and vocal range; maintain a steady pace, and have a confident stance?

• Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation - was it clear, legible, and concise?

 

Spring 2023 3MT^® Doctoral and Master's Student Winners

1^st Place: Charlotte Lee, Doctoral Student - Marine Biology

2^nd Place: Ramadan Abdelrehim, Doctoral Student - Coastal Marine System Science

People's Choice: Abhishek Phadke, Doctoral Student - Geospatial Computer Science

 

Spring 2022 3MT^® Doctoral and Master's Student Winners

1^st Place: Efren Lopez Morales - Marine Biology

2^nd Place: Alexis Neffinger - Marine Biology

People's Choice: Yixi Qiu - Geospatial Computer Science

 

Spring 2021 3MT^® Doctoral and Master's Student Winners

1^st Place: Xin Deng - Marine Biology

2^nd Place: Derry Xu - Chemistry

People's Choice: Abhishek Phadke - Geospatial Computer Science

 

Spring 2019 3MT^® Doctoral and Master's Student Winners

1^st Place: Christian Cunningham - Marine Biology

2^nd Place: Hongming Yao - Coastal and Marine System Science

People's Choice: Jeb Struder - Kinesiology

 

Spring 2018 3MT^® Doctoral and Master's Student Winners

1^st Place: Katherine Martin - Coastal and Marine System Science

2^nd Place: Michelle Culver - Coastal and Marine System Science

People's Choice: Amanda Murray - Clinical Psychology

 

Fall 2017 3MT^® Doctoral Student Winners

1^st Place: Adriana Dyurich - Counselor Education

2^nd Place: Akash Ashapure - Geospatial Computing Sciences

People's Choice: Stephanie R. Medina - Curriculum & Instruction

 

Spring 2017 3MT^® Master's Student Winners

1^st Place: Shane Reader - Clinical Psychology

2^nd Place: Alex Tompkins - Marine Biology

People's Choice: Melanie Gingras - Coastal and Marine System Science

 

Fall 2016 3MT^® Doctoral Student Winners

1^st Place: Melissa Rohal - Physical and Environmental Science

2^nd Place: Dominic Swift - Life Science

People's Choice: Jamie McQueen - Curriculum & Instruction

 

Fall 2015 3MT^® Doctoral Student Winners

1^st Place: Avery Scherer - Physical and Environmental Science

2^nd Place: Laurie Beveridge - Educational Leadership

People's Choice: I-Shuo Huang - Life Science

The first 3MT^® was held at UQ in 2008 with 160 RHD (research higher degree) students competing. In 2009 and 2010 the 3MT^® competition was promoted to other Australian and New Zealand universities and enthusiasm for the concept grew. Due to its adoption in numerous universities, a multi-national event was developed, and the Inaugural Trans-Tasman 3MT^® competition was held at UQ in 2010 with 33 universities participating.

In 2011, 43 universities were represented in the Trans-Tasman 3MT^® which was hosted by The University of Western Australia, and for the first time students from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Hong Kong took part in their own regional events.

Here are a few great resources:

• View this handy PowerPoint
• Zoom Information Session
• Check out past winner videos from around the world
• Get presentation advice from the 2014 TAMU winner (below)

• Read this article in The Scientist Magazine about the 3MT® competition, its development, and its adaptation in the United States

Helpful tips for 3MT® Video Submission:

• See the judging criteria and presentation rules to ensure your presentation will follow the guidelines.
• Remember that your audience is a general, and many people will not be familiar with your discipline, program, topic, or discipline-specific terminology.
• Memorize your presentation: you will not be able to use notes or aids while recording your video.
• Practice by yourself, practice in front of a mirror, practice in front of family members, friends, your advisor, or anyone who will listen for three minutes. Practice while recording yourself on your phone, so you get used to the camera recording your presentation.

Helpful tips 3MT® static PowerPoint slide Submission:

• If you are using an analogy in your talk, you may want to represent the analogy on the slide
• Think of the slide not as the main part of your presentation but as a supporting visual aid