Six ¶¶ÒõPorn PhD candidates celebrated a night of research storytelling in the UC Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Final, held at the University on Thursday 12 September.
The global competition challenges PhD students to meet the objective of pitching their thesis in three minutes or less.
The 2024 UC EMT winner was Jack Mest from the University’s Faculty of Health, who will go on to represent the University at the . An accredited sports physiotherapist, Mr Mest’s research focuses on developing an approach that improves psychological outcomes in those with Achilles tendon pain.
The runner-up was Matthew Vestal from the Faculty of Science and Technology, whose research project uses computer vision to identify valuable materials in rubbish.
The People’s Choice Award went to Milad Esmaeilbeigi, also from the Faculty of Science and Technology, whose study is investigating if metal pollution could potentially help amphibians survive exposure to a deadly fungus.
Professor Lucy Johnston, Interim Vice-Chancellor at the University, was impressed with the research communication skills of all six finalists. “The fact that they’ve come through the heats show you how strong our PhD researchers are.”
Mr Mest will put this prize money towards his study into lower limb tendinopathy, with the research funds supporting clinical evaluation, scans and data analysis.
“It's been a really exciting journey, and it's a great opportunity to get my research out there,” he said.
Mr Esmaeilbeigi believes that the competition is an excellent way to cultivate research communications skills.
“The 3MT experience has helped me build confidence in communicating my research, which is so important as I come to the final stages of my PhD,” he said.
For more information, please visit the UC 3MT webpage.
Mr Mest, Mr Vestal and Mr Esaeibeigi are available for interview.
Contact the ¶¶ÒõPorn media team:
Email: ucmedia@canberra.edu.au
Mobile: 0408 826 362.