Appalachian State University’s Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies hosted its annual three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition in January and students from the Department of Biology swept the awards with Robert Onjiko taking first place, Mary Cait Massie second place and Breana Cook taking the People’s Choice award.
The 3MT is a competition where graduate students have only three minutes and a single PowerPoint slide to explain their research projects to a public audience. The competition initially started at the University of Queensland and has been adopted at universities worldwide.
Robert Onjiko from Kenya, studying Biology with a focus in Cell and Molecular Biology, presented “The Malnutrition and Malaria Immunity Paradox” alongside his faculty advisor Dr. Micheal Opata. His research is based on how malnutrition during pregnancy affects neonatal immunity to malaria. Onjiko was awarded $600 to be used for research or travel expenses.
“This award came as a good surprise to me. I was happy that the judges were impressed with my research project among all the competitive students that participated in the event. The award is a great honor to me and I am extremely grateful. I thank everyone who believed in me," said Onjinko.
Mary Cait Massie from Waynesville, studying Biology, presented “Effects of an invasive crayfish, Faxonius cristavarius, on crayfish symbiont communities in the New River” with faculty advisor Dr. Robert Creed. Her research will aid in understanding the effects of invasive species to support conservation tactics while also raising public awareness on the spread of invasive crayfish. Massie was awarded $400 to be used for research or travel expenses.
“I think spreading scientific breakthroughs to the public is what science is all about because we need everyone to unite together to keep the quality of our earth protected for both humans and wildlife. I had a lot of fun competing and every presentation was so interesting. In my opinion, every competitor was a winner!” Commented Massie.
Breana Cook from Claremont, studying Biology with a focus in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, received the People’s Choice award for her presentation on “Biometric Variation in Ecologically Important Traits of Southern Appalachian Bumble Bees” with support from faculty advisor Dr. Jennifer Geib. Her research seeks to understand how our environment can influence ecologically important traits of bumblebees. Cook was awarded $250 to be used for research or travel expenses.
“I was so excited to share my research, and I'm glad the audience enjoyed it. Bumblebees are facing many dangers, and promoting awareness for them is very important to me. I will be traveling to the Association of Southeastern Biologists research conference to present a poster of my thesis,” said Cook.
Graduate students who are in good standing are eligible to compete in the annual 3MT competition. Each year, a panel of community, industry and alumni representatives judge the competition. To learn more about the 3MT at App State visit, https://graduate.appstate.edu/students/three-minute-thesis-competition.
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About 3 Minute Thesis
Three Minute Thesis (3MT) celebrates the exciting research conducted by Ph.D. students around the world. Developed by the University of Queensland, the competition cultivates students’ academic, presentation and research communication skills. Presenting in a 3MT competition increases their capacity to effectively explain their research in three minutes, in a language appropriate to a nonspecialist audience. Competitors are allowed one PowerPoint slide, but no other resources or props. Learn more at https://threeminutethesis.uq.edu.au.
About the Department of Biology
The Department of Biology is a community of teacher-scholars, with faculty representing the full breadth of biological specializations — from molecular genetics to landscape/ecosystem ecology. The department seeks to produce graduates with sound scientific knowledge, the skills to create new knowledge, and the excitement and appreciation of scientific discovery. Learn more at https://biology.appstate.edu.
About graduate education at Appalachian
Appalachian State University’s Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies helps individuals reach the next level in their career advancement and preparedness. The graduate school offers 70 master's and certificate programs in a range of disciplines, including doctoral programs in education (Ed.D.) and psychology (Psy.D.). Classes are offered at the main campus in Boone as well as online and face-to-face at locations around northwestern North Carolina. The graduate school enrolls nearly 1,800 students. Learn more at https://graduate.appstate.edu.
Compiled and Written by James Johnston
February 8, 2022
BOONE, N.C.
Graduate school 3 Minute Thesis winners
Top three of the Three Minute Thesis Competition (Left to Right) Robert Onjiko, Mary Cait Massie and Breana Cook.