Could you explain your master's level thesis or research in just three minutes? That's what 16 students in Appalachian State University's Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies each did recently.
The students in academic disciplines ranging from geography, business, clinical psychology to engineering physics, had just three minutes to explain their research or scholarly/creative projects to a general audience.
"It's important for graduate students, as well as researchers, to be able to explain or pitch their ideas and research to a lay audience in a short period of time," said Max Poole, dean of the graduate school. "Sometimes all you have are three minutes. It must be precise and in layman's terms because your audience might be individuals from other walks of life and unfamiliar with the jargon of your profession."
Reed Gurchiek, a graduate student in exercise science, won first place and a $750 travel/research award for his presentation on developing and implementing technology to improve the evaluation of human performance.
He also will receive full travel support to compete at the regional three-minute research competition hosted by the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools in Charlotte. Gurchiek also will be honored at the spring Graduate Student Awards reception and will travel in May to represent Appalachian at Graduate Education Day held in the capital in Raleigh.
Following graduation, Gurchiek plans to pursue a Ph.D. in a biomechanics-related field or work in a lab. Gurchiek is from Cottontown, Tennessee. His faculty mentor is Assistant Professor Herman van Werkhoven.
Read the full article about the event in ASU News.
Winners of the three-minute thesis competition
