The timer starts. The room goes quiet. In just three minutes, a graduate student must capture the audience’s attention, explain complex research in an easy-to-understand way, and clearly articulate why it’s important. Here, innovation becomes presentation. That’s what happens at the College of Life Sciences’ Three Minute Thesis Competition, hosted on February 27. Graduate students from every department in the College succinctly shared their research for a chance to win up to $1000, showcasing that clarity and concision are key to effective research presentations.
From tackling cancer and finding relief for migraines to protecting the ground beneath our feet, the student competitors highlighted the wide-reaching impact of their research. “I love hearing these little snippets of everybody's research coming together in a very digestible form,” says Rachel Lynn Rice (MS ’28, CELL), a student presenter. “There's a bit of showmanship that comes into conveying dense information in a way that can be easily understood.”
Among this impressive group, three winners emerged. Brianna Davis (MS ’28, MMBIO) won first place and the $1000 prize for her research on how to keep cancer-fighting CAR T cells from reaching exhaustion. Melissa Blotter (MS ’27, NEURO) won second place and $600 for her research on potential solutions for stopping seizures. And Cooper Bond (MS ’27 PWS) placed third and received $300 for his sustainability research on increasing soil nutrition.
Davis competed at the university-level Three Minute Thesis Competition on March 5. “You can tell everyone really cares about their projects, and there's a passion in it,” Davis explains. "I mean, look at how many cool things are happening at BYU!”
The Three Minute Thesis event was more than a competition; it was a reminder of the innovation, dedication, and passion driving graduate research. It showcased not only the depth of student research but also the power of clear communication. As the competition came to a close, one thing was clear: the participants didn’t just beat the clock—they made every second count.