When conducting great research, it’s imperative to also work on great communication. Doctoral candidates know the ins and outs of their subject, but how would they describe what it is they’re doing to a broader audience? Eleven CU Anschutz students took on the challenge at this year’s Graduate School Three Minute Thesis Competition (3MT), where they were asked to present their thesis in 3 minutes or less using only one slide.
“3MT is an incredible opportunity for our doctoral students to present their research in a manner that is accessible to the public,” Dr. Jennifer Richer, Dean of the Graduate School, said. “The Graduate School is proud to be able to offer this platform to our students and a space for the campus community to gather and hear about the exciting research conducted by doctoral candidates here at CU Anschutz.”
The Donald M. Elliman Conference Center was filled with spectators there to watch the action on Monday, Dec. 4. The event began with keynote speaker Dr. Samuel Ramsey. Dr. Ramsey is an entomologist, CU Boulder professor, and a former international 3MT winner.
While following a grand champion is never easy, the competitors took the stage with enthusiasm and raced to beat the clock with their presentations. 
First prize went to Destiny DeNicola of the Molecular Biology Program for her talk titled “Lymphatics: The gutters of the liver.”
“I had a great time thinking up different analogies that captured my research,” DeNicola said. “I found myself far more nervous than I would typically be for a presentation, something I think all of the competitors would agree with. However, it also fostered a comradery between [us]. We were all really supportive of each other and it felt like we were all in it together, even though we were competing against each other.”
Next up for DeNicola will be the regional competition held virtually March 20-22, 2024, by the Western Association of Graduate Schools.
Complete List of Winners:
First: Destiny DeNicola, Molecular Biology
Second: Abigail Mumme-Monheit, Cell Biology, Stem Cells, and Development
Third: Natasia Paukovich, Molecular Biology
People’s Choice: Obed Ofori Nyarko, Integrated Physiology
For a complete list of competitors and judges, click here to view the 2023 program.