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Students deliver winning three-minute thesis presentations

Winners in the 2017 Three Minute Thesis competition

Three Minute Thesis winners: Front row, Re Nann Mark Ducay and Megan Loftin. Back row, Jake Godfrey, Frob Duguid and Diane Berish.

Master’s student Rob “Frob” Duguid placed first in Miami University’s version of the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition and now qualifies to compete in the the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) regional 3MT.

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is an exercise that develops academic, presentation and research communication skills and supports the development of research students' capacity to effectively explain their research in three minutes in a language appropriate to a nonspecialist audience.

Frob Duguid received first place for a speech explaining his research.

First place: Rob “Frob” Duguid

Duguid, a master’s student in the department of kinesiology and health, presented “The Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Vascular Function During Sitting.” His adviser is Kevin Ballard, associate professor of kinesiology and health. He received a $1,000 prize for first place.

Second place: Re Nann Mark Ducay

Ducay, a master’s student in the department of statistics, presented “Big Data, Machine Learning, and Taxicabs.” His adviser is Karsten Maurer, assistant professor of statistics. He received a $750 cash prize.

Tying for third place: Jake Godfrey and Megan Loftin

Godfrey, a master’s student in the department of biology, presented “Impact of an Atrazine Based Herbicide on a Ground Dwelling Wolf Spider.” His adviser is Ann Rypstra, University Distinguished Professor of Biology.

Loftin, a master’s student in the department of kinesiology and health, presented “Former Team Sport Athletes’ Experiences of the Physical and Psychological Effects of Sport-related Concussion.” Her adviser is Valeria Freysinger, associate professor of kinesiology and health. Each received $500.

The People’s Choice Award: Diane Berish

Berish, doctoral student in the department of sociology and gerontology, was selected by winning the popular vote of members of the audience. She received a $1,000 prize. She presented, “Hospital to Skilled-nursing Facility Transitional Care and 30-day Hospital Readmissions: Do Skilled-nursing Facility Transitional Care Practices Matter? Her adviser is Robert Applebaum.

Ten Contestants

The pool of 10 contestants was narrowed from a field of 25 who competed in preliminary rounds.

  • Emily Wright, master’s student in the department of kinesiology and health, “Parents’ Perfectionism, Parenting Styles, and View of Sport Specialization.” Her adviser is Melissa Chase, professor of kinesiology and health.
  • Laurel Himmel, graduate student in the department of architecture, “Carnegie 2.0: Adaptive Reuse and Community Engagement via Vacant Public Libraries.” Her adviser is Ben Jacks, associate professor of architecture. 
  • Deanna Morrison, master’s student in the department of kinesiology and health, “Predictors of Robust Sport Confidence in Collegiate Athletes.” Her adviser is Robin Vealey, professor of kinesiology and health.
  • Veronica Rasicci, master’s student in the department of kinesiology and health, “The Effects of a Medicine Ball Resistant Training Program on Running Economy.” Her adviser is Julie Cousins, visiting assistant professor of kinesiology and health.
  • Wladyslaw Betkowski, doctoral student in the department of geology, “Rare Earth Elements Phosphates for Sustainable Growth.” His adviser is John Rakovan, professor of geology and environmental earth science.

Judges

  • Caroline Kren, Miami alumna and senior data manager at Medpace.
  • Tanya Willard, 2016 3MT, graduate student in the department of educational leadership.
  • David Liles, Miami alumnus and first vice president, First Financial Bank.
  • Renate Crawford, university ambassador and adjunct professor of physics at Miami.
  • Scott Madding, Miami alumnus and global sales team leader, U.S. Playing Card Co.
  • Kate Rousmaniere, mayor of Oxford and professor in the department of educational leadership.