The University of Central Oklahoma's Jackson College of Graduate Studies (JCGS) hosted its fifth annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. Contestants must demonstrate the value of their master's research to a panel of business community members in three minutes or less, using only one presentation slide.
Psychology graduate student Leila Murphy won first place and a $1,000 prize for her 3MT presentation titled "A Street Car Named Envy and Aggression."
Sarah Moore, an English major, took home second place and a $500 prize for her presentation titled "Submersion for Women of Color at the 1893 Columbian Exposition."
Kruti Chaliawala, a wellness management-health promotion major, took third place and a $250 prize for her presentation titled "Sexual Health Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior among International Students."
Marisa Franks, a psychology major, took home this year's People's Choice Award and a $250 prize for her presentation titled "The Effects of Pre-Trial Publicity on the Duration of Jury Deliberation."
"We have an outstanding group of graduate students doing quality research on topics that range from rhetorical weapons, the treatment of Black juveniles and sexual health knowledge," said Jeanetta Sims, Ph.D., dean of the Central's JCGS.
"The students displayed courage, bravery and commitment while handling nerves to meet competition criteria."
Edmond businessman and owner of Othello's and Around the Corner restaurants, Bob Weiss, sponsored the event.
The 3MT contest was first held at the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia. It prepares students to present their research and its relevance to a non-specialist audience in a clear, concise manner, whether in an interview, public event or advocacy setting.
UCO's Jackson College of Graduate Studies collaborates with all five UCO academic colleges and the Forensic Science Institute, offering 40 graduate degree programs and more than 70 different major areas of study.
For more information about the Jackson College of Graduate Studies, visit www.uco.edu/graduate.