Graduate School
Three Minute Thesis
The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is an academic research communication competition developed by the University of Queensland in Australia. 3MT® participants are asked to describe their thesis or dissertation in a three-minute presentation, clearly conveying the complexities of their topic and research to a nonacademic audience. The competition provides an excellent opportunity for students to hone their 30-second elevator pitch and win monetary prizes while doing so.
2025 3MT Winners
Grand Champion: Joseph PrevitePh.D. student in the School of Polymer Science and Engineering
Unlocking the Final Frontier: 3D Printing Heat Shields for Space Travel
Major Professor: Dr. Jeffrey Wiggins
2024 3MT Winners
Grand Champion: Alyssa Shaw
Ph.D. student in the School of Polymer Science and Engineering
Doped Polymer Thin Films: A Pathway to Tune Properties for Flexible Electronics
Major Professor: Dr. Xiaodan Gu
Runner-Up: Amy Coronado
Ph.D. student in the School of Polymer Science and Engineering
Heat is the Key: Unlocking Dynamic Bonds for Animate Polymer Network Materials
Major Professor: Dr. Derek Patton and Dr. Zhe Qiang
People's Choice: Madeline Klubertanz
Ph.D. student in the School of Kinesiology and Nutrition
How Cushion and Support Could Save Us Millions
Major Professor: Dr. Paul Donahue
2023 3MT Winners
Grand Champion: Meagan StanleyUsing Inclusion Chemistry to Develop Molecular Probes for Metal Ion Detection
Major Professor: Dr. Karl Wallace
Runner-Up: Lindsey Ostermiller
Lifestyle Behaviors and Mental Health Outcomes in LGBTQ+ Graduate Students
People's Choice: Nick Enos
Atoms to Aircraft: Controlling Crystallization in High Performance Composites
Major Professor: Dr. Jeff Wiggins
2022 3MT Winners
2026 Competition Information
Eligibility
All master's and Ph.D. students enrolled at Southern Miss, regardless of academic program, are eligible to participate. Students enrolled in fully online programs may participate virtually.
The presentation must describe current research conducted as part of the student's Southern Miss degree program. Research completed at another institution or research for which a degree has already been awarded is not eligible.
Presentation Requirements
- Three minutes maximum. Presentations that exceed three minutes will result in disqualification.
- One static PowerPoint slide. Use a single slide in widescreen 16:9 format. No additional slides, animations, transitions, or movement are permitted.
- No additional media. Audio, video, and other electronic media are not allowed.
No props. Note cards, pointers, costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment, and other props are prohibited. - Spoken presentation. Presentations must use spoken words, not poems, raps, or songs.
- Current research. Present research completed as part of your current Southern Miss degree program.
The presentation time begins when you start speaking or make a movement to begin your presentation. Judges' decisions are final.
Preparing for 3MT
How Presentations are Judged
- Clearly explains the research question, purpose, and significance.
- Communicates key findings, conclusions, and outcomes.
- Presents ideas in a logical sequence using language appropriate for a general audience.
- Explains specialized terminology and avoids unnecessary jargon.
- Captures and maintains the audience's attention.
- Demonstrates enthusiasm and confidence.
- Uses effective eye contact, vocal delivery, pacing, and stage presence.
- Uses the PowerPoint slide to support the presentation with clear, concise, readable content.
Competition Awards
Participants compete for the following awards:
Grand Champion: $1,000
Runner Up: $750
People's Choice Award: $500
Each of the Eight Finalists: $250
The 2026 3MT Grand Champion will represent The University of Southern Mississippi
at the Regional 3MT competition held at the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools in Arlington, Virginia, on February 17-19, 2027.
For questions, please contact Shaadi Shoubaki at Shaadi.ShoubakiFREEMississippi.