Larissa Fedunik
13 September 2024: Six of the º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ’s talented PhD candidates celebrated a night of research storytelling in the º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Final yesterday evening, hosted by the University’s Graduate Research Development Team.
The six students, representing four of the University’s faculties, met the challenging objective of pitching their PhD thesis in three minutes or less. They competed for three prizes and the opportunity to represent the University at the .
The major prize winner was Jack Mest from the University’s Faculty of Health. An accredited sports physiotherapist, Mr Mest’s PhD research focuses on developing an approach that improves psychological outcomes in those with Achilles tendon pain.
“We see protracted recovery periods and resistance to rehabilitation practices despite its best efforts,” explained Mr Mest. “It’s clear that we need to do better – that’s what the project is about.”
The runner-up prize was awarded to Matthew Vestal from the Faculty of Science and Technology, whose research project uses computer vision to identify valuable materials in rubbish.
The People’s Choice Award, which was selected by online voting over several weeks, went to Milad Esmaeilbeigi, also from the Faculty of Science and Technology, who is investigating if metal pollution could potentially help amphibians survive exposure to a deadly fungus.
The winner and runner-up were chosen by a panel of judges: º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ researcher Dr Shyam Barr, a leading figure in the field of self-regulated learning; social innovator Nazia Ahmed, CEO of the Social Outcomes lab; and Creative Director Jason Perelson, Chair of the advisory board to the Chief Minister on Canberra’s identity and place brand.
Mr Mest will use his prize winnings to support his study into lower limb tendinopathy, with the research funds supporting clinical evaluation, scans and data analysis. “It's been a really exciting journey, and it's a great opportunity to get my research out there,” he said.
Professor Lucy Johnston, Interim Vice-Chancellor at the University, was impressed by the research communication skills of all six finalists. “The fact that they’ve come through the heats show you how strong our PhD researchers are.”
The event’s MC, Associate Professor Ben Rattray from the University’s Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, highlighted the importance of 3MT in cultivating communications skills.
“Communicating well about your research is vital for your success. It’s really important to get your point across to non-specialist audiences, from the general public to industry representatives.”
The judges agreed, with Dr Barr adding: “Effective communication is key to ensuring that research makes an impact beyond academia.”
All the finalists emphasised that the competition has improved their public speaking skills and given them invaluable practice in pitching their research to different audiences.
“The 3MT experience has helped me build up much more confidence in communicating my research, which is so important as I come to the final stages of my PhD,” said Mr Esmaeilbeigi.
The 3MT competition was established in 2008 by the University of Queensland. Student competitors are challenged to condense their work into a three-minute speech, supported by one PowerPoint slide.
participants compete in faculty heats in their own institution, progressing to the university’s final where the winner progresses to the Asia-Pacific 3MT online competition with HDR candidates from other universities, before the final in October 2024.
2024 º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ 3MT finalists
Milad Esmaeilbeigi (Faculty of Science and Technology, Centre for Conservation Ecology and Genomics)
Metal pollution: a silver lining for amphibians to survive against the deadly fungus?
Milad is investigating if the stress of metal pollution could potentially help amphibians survive exposure to another threat: a deadly fungus.
Jess Seymour (Faculty of Health, Health Research Institute)
Five minutes could save your life
The clinical exercise physiologist is working on an intervention to help people with heart disease become more active, and prevent future heart attacks.
Jack Mest (Faculty of Health, º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ Research Institute for Sports & Exercise)
Hero’s heel? Rethinking our approach to the Achilles heel of recreational runners
The sports physiotherapist is developing an approach that aims to improve psychological outcomes in those with Achilles tendon pain.
Monty Nixon (Faculty of Education)
Learning from Country: a path to ecological balance
Monty’s research explores how Indigenous methods of teaching and learning (such as Country as Teacher) can be embedded in modern education.
Sahana Sehgal (Faculty of Business, Government and Law, Centre for Deliberative Democracy and Global Governance)
Intercultural engagement in a multicultural society
Sahana, currently a producer on Canberra Multicultural Service FM91.1, is exploring intercultural relations and dynamics amongst ethnic minorities in multicultural societies.
Matthew Vestal (Faculty of Science and Technology)
Your Trash is My Treasure
Matthew carries out research in the º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ robotics lab, where he is using computer vision and other Artificial Intelligence technologies to address climate and environment issues.