Imagine distilling years of research, countless experiments, and big ideas into just three minutes. That’s the challenge—and the thrill—of the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®).
Date: Friday, November 14, 2025
Time: Presentations: 10 a.m. | Winner Selected & Announced: 11-11:30 a.m.
Place: Coffman Memorial Union Theater (room 110)
Developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), this international competition celebrates the creativity and clarity it takes to make complex research accessible to everyone. Using just one PowerPoint slide and no props, graduate students captivate audiences by explaining the “what,” “how,” and “why” of their work— in language anyone can understand.
Since its launch in 2008, 3MT® has become a global phenomenon, now hosted by more than 900 universities and institutions across 85 countries.
The 2025 presenters are the winners of collegiate 3MT® competitions from across the University of Minnesota during the past year. The student chosen as this year’s champion will go on to represent the University at the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) 3MT® competition.
Participants
Tobias Edwards
Psychology Ph.D., College of Liberal Arts
The Genetic Basis of Religious Belief
Jason Hatfield
Comparative and Molecular Biosciences Ph.D., College of Veterinary Medicine
This Little Light of Mine
Mathew Jacob
Chemistry M.S., Swenson College of Science and Engineering (Duluth Campus)
An Old Drug’s New Life: Repurposing Niclosamide for Cancer Treatment
Chanhee Kim
Nursing Ph.D., School of Nursing
Fire Alarm for Infectious Disease Outbreak: Electronic Case Reporting (eCR)
Lauren Kress
Oral Biology Ph.D./DDS, School of Dentistry
Streptococcus gordonii: A "Foundation" for Dental Plaque
Olivia Kuckhahn
Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics Ph.D., Medical School
Demolition Day: Turning Breast Cancer Macrophages from Bricklayers to Wrecking Balls
Mary Raphel Daniel
Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology Ph.D., College of Pharmacy
The Heart-Spleen Axis - A Tale of Two Organs
Vanessa Segura Duque
Human Factors and Ergonomics Ph.D., College of Design
Toward Personalized Care for Children: A framework for Pediatric Medical Devices
Alina Smolskaya
Applied Plant Sciences Ph.D., College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences
Producing More with Less: Finding a Gene That Can Increase Yield
Itorobong Uwatt
Environmental Health Sciences Ph.D., School of Public Health
Hookah Tobacco: The Sweet Deception and Bitter Truth
Nisha Vishwanathan
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics Ph.D., College of Biological Sciences
Leveraging Nature's Design for Stronger Medicines
Sarah Ziemann
Civil Engineering Ph.D., College of Science and Engineering
From Store to Sand: How Plastic Bags Break Apart into Micro and Nanoplastics
Judges
- Nina Axelson, President and Founder, Grid Catalyst
- Jade Denson, Director of Tech Strategy & Ops, Target
- Chris Farrell, Senior Economics Contributor, Marketplace & Minnesota Public Radio
- Barb Fugate, Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer & Chief Security Officer United Bankers’ Bank
- Rekhet Si-Asar, Executive Director, In Black Ink
We invite you to check out the presentations from last year’s participants.
Please be aware that photographs and videos may be taken during this event for use in future promotional materials, including on websites, social media, and other publications. By attending, you consent to being photographed and/or recorded and allow us to use your image for these purposes. If you prefer not to be photographed, please notify a staff member upon your arrival.
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible event. If you require disability-related accommodations, such as sign language interpretation, accessible seating, or other assistance, please let us know. To ensure we can best meet your needs, we kindly request that you contact us at [email protected] by November 1, 2025.