Winning Three Minute Thesis a "masterclass"

Those are the words of David Dannenberg, a judge of Lincoln University’s annual Three Minute Thesis competition (3MT).

The event challenges postgraduate students to explain their research in just three minutes, forcing them to cut out the nitty-gritty and focus on effective communication.

This year’s competition was full of incredible competitors, but only one could be crowned the victor. That was Ksenia Trifonova, who seamlessly explained how simulated outdoor environments called mesocosms could be used to research sediment in river water circulation systems.

Phuc Nguyen (Luna) came second with her research on biochar potential, and Nathan Campbell came third speaking on how garden design can help biodiversity and prevent wildfires. Nathan was also awarded the trophy for best Master’s student presentation.

The crowd also got the chance to vote for their favourite, and this year they chose Usha Mendis and her research on how parasites can “hijack” spiders.

Judge David Dannenberg said it was the strongest selection of speakers he had ever seen for the competition.

“The calibre of speakers at this year’s 3MT competition was exceptional.

“Each speaker wonderfully demonstrated both a command of their research topic and the ability to communicate complex ideas in a clear and captivating manner.”

Ksenia was unanimously chosen by all three judges as the top presenter.

David said her presentation was “a masterclass” on communicating scientific information to a general audience.

“Her presence was captivating and effortlessly blended clarity, enthusiasm and passion. Her ability to convey complex ideas in such a compelling manner not only impressed the judges but also left the audience both enlightened and entertained.”

We’ll be profiling all of our victors in the coming weeks. Keep an eye out on our social media and website to see more.

Competitors

Antonia Olszewski — Helping moo moos do more valuable doo doos

Heidi Allan — Here comes the sun - The beetles and climate

Holly Williamson — The Grass Really is Greener: Rethinking Winter Grazing

Hongyu Wu — Understanding Nitrate Origins: Why Soil’s Hidden Contributors Matter

Ksenia Trifonova — How Climate Change is Stirring Up Trouble in Our Rivers and Lakes

Nathan Campbell — Managing Wildfire with Nature-based Residential Design

Phuc Nguyen (Luna) — Biochar - from a troublemaker to a problem solver

Prabodha Rathnayaka — Impacts of Climate Change on Production Efficiency, Labour Dynamics, and Tea Exports in Sri Lanka

Tharindi Lakshani — When Cows Pee, the Planet Sweats — Can Farming Fix It?

Usha Mendis —  Zombie spiders: who’s really in control?