Biology Master's Student Wins 2024 Villanova Three Minute Thesis Competition

VILLANOVA, Pa. – Villanova University graduate biology student Claire Jones took first place in the University's Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition on March 15 in the Mullen Center for the Performing Arts for their presentation “How do chickadees communicate about the presence and absence of food?” Jones advances to the Northeastern Association of Graduate Schools regional competition on Friday, April 26.

This year marked the third consecutive year that the competition was open to graduate students from across the University and the second year it was hosted by the Center for Graduate Research and Education. The 11 finalists were made up of seven from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, two from the College of Engineering and one each from the Charles Widger School of Law and the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing.

3MT is a competition for master’s and doctoral students to develop and showcase their research communication skills. 3MT cultivates students’ academic, professional, presentation and research communication skills. To be successful, competitors must effectively explain their research in three minutes, in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.

The Villanova competition highlighted the diverse research interests of its graduate community and the skill with which its students can articulate their study of complex topics.

“The contestants in this year’s 3MT competition were truly fantastic," said Dr. Michael Westrate, emcee for the event and Assistant Vice Provost for Graduate Research and Education. "Their preparation, stage presence and ability to communicate their research to a broad audience showcased the superb talents of Villanova’s graduate students. Their diverse, high-level scholarship addresses some of the most pressing issues facing our world and affirms Villanova’s growing stature as a research institution. We are proud to continue with the tradition of excellence in Villanova’s 3MT competition. Kudos to all the students who took the stage.”

Lorina Holterhoff, a master's student in Environmental Science, won second prize for her presentation, “The Urbanized World: Metal Pollution in Green Stormwater Infrastructure.” Yen Leng Chong, a master's student in Sustainable Engineering, received the People’s Choice award for her presentation, “Building a Circular Economy System for Universities through the Green Office Program.”

Judges for the event included:

• Emory Woodard, PhD, Dean of Graduate Studies, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Al Ortega, PhD, James R. Birle Professor of Energy Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering
• Andrew Lund, JD, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Charles Widger School of Law
• Amanda Grannas, PhD, Vice Provost for Research, Chief Research Officer
• Darla Wolfe ’06 EMBA, Member of the Board of Trustees for Villanova University