3 MT - Three Minute Thesis, Founded by the University of Queensland logo.

In 2025, UMass Lowell (UML) joined the quickly growing Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition, a program designed to help graduate students explain their research in a succinct and compelling way to general, non-specialist audiences.

Developed by the University of Queensland (UQ), the exercise cultivates students’ academic, presentation and research communication skills. The first 3MT competition was held at UQ in 2008 with 160 Research Higher Degree students competing. Today 3MT competitions are held in more than 900 universities in more than 85 countries worldwide.

2026 UML 3MT® Dates

  • Info Session: Friday, February 13 from Noon to 12:45 p.m. via Zoom
  • Training Session: Friday, February 20 from noon to 2 p.m. via Zoom
  • One-on-one Training: February 23 to March 2 (faculty led, in person or Zoom)
  • Preliminary Round: Tuesday, March 3 from 4 to 7 p.m. at University Crossing.
  • Finals: Friday, March 20 from 3 to 5 p.m. at University Crossing.

The training sessions are open to all graduate students, while only advanced doctoral students are eligible for the competition itself.

Prizes - a student could win up to $1,000!

  • 1st prize: $750
  • 2nd place: $500
  • 3rd place: $250
  • People's choice: $250

The winner goes on to regionals, and from there to nationals if they win. Attend training sessions and register to participate in the UMass Lowell 3MT Competition.

Congratulations to the 2025 3MT® Competition Winners

Five people stand in front of a projection screen in a large room and pose for a photo. Image by Ed Brennen

UMass Lowell (UML) hosted the inaugural UML 3MT competition on April 4, 2025. Read some event highlights in the news article about the 3MT finals.

We are proud to announce the winners of this year’s competition:

First Prize

Edidiong Etim, Doctoral Candidate,
Department of Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology
Francis College of Engineering
Presentation Title: Characterizing the biomechanical and thermal response of fat to suction pressure

Edidiong Etim - Characterizing the biomechanical and thermal response of fat to suction pressure.

Second Prize and People’s Choice Award

Stephanie Madden, Doctoral Candidate
Department of Psychology
College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Presentation Title: Harmony in Healthcare: The Role of Caregiver-Provider Alliance on Child Health

Stephanie's presentation also won the People’s Choice Award.

Stephanie Madden - Harmony in Healthcare: The Role of Caregiver-Provider Alliance on Child Health.

Third Prize

Nerissa Molejon, Doctoral Candidate
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Francis College of Engineering
Presentation Title: Early Detection of Aquaculture Pathogens Using Acoustic Wave Sensors

Nerissa Molejon - Early Detection of Aquaculture Pathogens Using Acoustic Wave Sensors.

This annual event celebrates the power of concise communication and the incredible depth of graduate student research across disciplines. Congratulations to all the finalists for their hard work and impressive presentations! We look forward to another tremendous event next year.

Resources

View a transcribed Zoom recording of the most recent 3MT® training session for the 2025 competition.