Southern Miss Ph.D. Student Showcases 3D Printing Research in Regional Three-Minute Thesis Competition
Wed, 03/18/2026 - 09:07am | By: Shaadi Shoubaki
Joseph Previte
The University of Southern Mississippi Graduate School was represented by polymer science Ph.D. student Joseph Previte at the Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition during the 2026 Conference of Southern Graduate Schools, held Feb. 18-20 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The conference brought together representatives from more than 200 graduate schools across 15 Southern states and the District of Columbia. More than 65 graduate students competed in the regional 3MT competition.
Previte, a doctoral student in polymer science and engineering from Erie, Pennsylvania, presented his research, “Unlocking the Final Frontier: 3D Printing Heat Shields for Space Travel.” He was the 2025 Southern Miss 3MT grand champion and represented the university at the regional competition. Developed at the University of Queensland in Australia, the 3MT competition challenges graduate students to communicate the significance of their research in just three minutes, emphasizing clarity, engagement and real-world impact.
“Joseph was an excellent representative of the Southern Miss Graduate School and the School of Polymer Science and Engineering,” said Dr. Katie Anthony, dean of the Graduate School. “His research on polymers and aerospace composites was well received by the audience, and his 3MT presentation was absolutely flawless. We could not be prouder of Joseph.”
The Graduate School commends Previte for representing Southern Miss at the conference and appreciates his contributions to the university’s research mission.
The Graduate School will host its next 3MT competition in November. Students interested in participating can find more information on the Graduate School’s website.
About The Graduate School
The Graduate School at The University of Southern Mississippi promotes excellence and integrity in graduate education while preparing a diverse community of scholars and professionals whose knowledge and expertise distinguish them in the workforce and bring distinction to the university. Graduate students receive high-quality training in their disciplines along with opportunities for professional and personal development. Through programs that build transferable skills, communication competitions and competitive travel awards for conferences and performances, the Graduate School supports graduate students as they expand their impact in their fields and communities.