She Leads Symposium @ WashU: 3MT® Competition 2023

The Graduate Center (TGC) in partnership with the Olin-Chancellor’s Fellowship (OCF) is hosting a special adaptation of the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition open to all full-time graduate and professional degree students from Washington University.

Adapted for She Leads Symposium @ WashU, 3MT® presentations should be focused around the areas of gender and racial diversity, equity and inclusion, as the OCF is committed to promoting diversity in all dimensions and nurturing a variety of distinctive backgrounds and perspectives.  

The application is now closed

Eligibility Requirements

  • Graduate and professional degree students at Washington University enrolled in a full-time graduate degree program at the time of entry into the competition and at the time of the symposium.
  • Able to deliver a 3MT® presentation focused on the thematic area specified.
  • Available, if chosen as a finalist, to present in person on Friday, October 20, 2023, at the She Leads Symposium @ WashU (Emerson Auditorium) – early afternoon, exact time TBD.

Entering the Competition and the Selection Process

  • Eligible students use the online entry form to submit a 3-minute video and one static PowerPoint slide explaining their research on a topic related gender and racial diversity, equity and inclusion. 
  • Submissions must meet all rules and presentation requirements. Failure to meet the specified guidelines will result in disqualification.
  • Following the close of the submission period, all entries will be evaluated for eligibility.

Judging Criteria (Comprehension and Content, Engagement and Communication)

  • Presentation provided clear background and significance to the research question
  • Presentation provided clear positionality of the presenter to the research and the research approach
  • Presentation clearly described the research strategy/design and the results/findings of the research
  • Presentation clearly described the conclusions, outcomes, and impact of the research
  • The oration was delivered clearly, and the language was appropriate for a non-specialist audience
  • The PowerPoint slide was well-defined and enhanced the presentation
  • The presenter conveyed enthusiasm for their research and captured and maintained the audience’s attention

Finalists, Live Competition, and Winner Prizes

Students selected as finalists will present their work in a live adapted 3MT® on Friday, October 20, 2023, at the She Leads Symposium @ WashU (Emerson Auditorium, Danforth Campus). 

First place winner will receive a prize of $1,000; second place winner will receive $750; third place winner will receive $500. Prizes are subject to U.S. tax withholding.

Timeline

10/08/23: Deadline to submit three minute video

10/13/23: Finalists notified

10/19/23: Walk through/rehearsal of live presentation

10/20/23 (afternoon): Live presentation of research at She Leads Symposium @ WashU – winners announced

Resources

Additional resources for students interested in the competition. Please check back regularly for updates.

Recording and Submitting a Video

  • Virtual competition rules
  • You are not required to incorporate your single PowerPoint slide within your video. Please submit this single slide separately.
  • Ensure phones and tablets are turned onto their side so the video is filmed horizontally not vertically.
  • Dark environments impact the overall quality of your video because cameras do not perform well in dim lighting. Ensuring you are well lit guarantees the camera and therefore, your audience, can see you clearly. Look for a room that has lots of natural light. If you are using light from a window, ensure you are facing towards the window so light falls on you directly.
  • When filming your video, ensure you choose a very quiet environment where you have as much control over the sound as possible. Be aware of any audible interruptions you don’t have control over such as airplanes, cars, etc.
  • Aim for a clean, plain wall as your background, completely free of visual distractions from the waist up where you will be framing your shot.
  • Be aware of your eye movement. Maintain eye contact with the camera lens as though it were a person in the audience watching you present live.
  • Upload your video on in the application, or you can share an unpublished YouTube or Vimeo link. For any questions, please contact jessica.weldon@wustl.edu.
  • Not sure how to upload?