On April 7, 2026, the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition returned to MSVU, featuring outstanding presentations by MSVU students engaged in research, special projects and other scholarly work. Like many events, the MSVU edition of the 3MT competition was paused because of the pandemic. Its return was well worth the wait!
Started by the University of Queensland in 2008, the international 3MT competition challenges students to explain their scholarly or creative work in just three minutes to a non-specialist audience. It promotes excellent communication skills and encourages the translation of ideas and evidence into clear, usable information. The winner of each local competition goes on to a regional competition. Regional winners then compete nationally later this year. The competition culminates in an international showcase in December, to be held in Los Angeles.
This year, the program at MSVU was extended to include both undergraduate and graduate students. They could present on their research or other forms of scholarly work.
Eleven MSVU students distilled their research/work into compelling 180-second stories. Each student was allowed one static slide to accompany their presentation.
Presentations explored a wide range of topics, from perinatal folic acid supplementation and a biological control for pests affecting hemlock trees to emergency preparedness for early childhood educators and the impact of AI-generated content on public trust.
Each of the university’s faculties was represented, with students spotlighting topics across Biology, Education, Child & Youth Study, Applied Human Nutrition, Public Relations, Aging and Family Science, and Math.
And the winner was… Dina Sallam (second from right above), a graduate student in Public Relations! Dina shared her research examining how visual elements in health care facilities function as communication tools, and the challenges that arise from inconsistent or ad hoc design practices. Her research highlighted the IWK as a key case study. Dina will participate in the regional competition at Saint Mary’s University on June 5.
Daphne Pereira (second from left below) was named first runner up for her presentation on the application of “forest wisdom” or ecosystem diversity in training health care workers.
Sincere thanks to the MSVU judges who included Dr. Carrie Dawson, Dean of Arts and Science; Karen White, Associate Vice-President of University Relations; and Dr. Arron Fraser, Assistant Professor of Business Administration. Thanks as well to the chair of the committee that led the restart of the 3MT Competition at MSVU, Orinari Wokoma, Vice President of Research & Graduate Student Affairs with the MSVU Students’ Union, and Dr. Susan Trenholm, Dean of Professional Studies and Graduate Studies, who served as the event emcee.
With an impressive showing this year, the stage is now set for another standout 3MT competition at MSVU in 2027!