USA Holds First Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition

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Posted on March 14, 2014

Alice Jackson

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Two graduate students in chemical engineering won top honors Thursday, March 13, at the University of South Alabama’s first 3MT® Competition held during the 21st Annual Graduate Research Forum.

From left, the overall winner was Jacob Deal, who presented “Efficient Platinum Catalysts for Hydrogen Production,” mentored by Dr. Christy Wheeler West, assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering. Runner-up was Blane Green, who presented “Lipidic Ionic Liquids a ‘Solution to Air Pollution,” mentored by Dr. Kevin West, assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering.

The audience also selected Green for the People’s Choice Award. Deal and Green were congratulated by Dr. David Johnson, senior vice president for academic affairs; Dr. B. Keith Harrison, dean of the Graduate School and associate vice president for academic affairs; and Dr. Jeanette Manders, chair of adult interdisciplinary studies.

The 3MT® Competition originated at the University of Queensland in Australia. It is a research communication exercise competition that challenges graduate students to present a compelling oration on their thesis topic and its significance in only three minutes and using only one static slide. Both Johnson and Harrison said it is likely USA will present the 3MT® Competition again because both faculty and students enjoyed the experience

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