Dalhousie University's annual 3 Minute Thesis competition highlights the research of graduate students, with the winner focusing on improving the quality of life for ALS patients. The competition challenges participants to effectively communicate their research in just three minutes or less.
Dalhousie University's 3 Minute Thesis Competition Showcases Graduate Student Research
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Dalhousie University recently held its annual 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, showcasing the research of graduate students from various faculties. This year's winner was Reynaldo Popoli, a medical neuroscience PhD student, who presented his research on improving the quality of life for patients with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), a neurological disorder.
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The 3MT competition challenged participants to effectively communicate their research to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes or less, using only one static PowerPoint slide. Popoli impressed the judges with his presentation, earning him the title of Dal's newest 3MT champion, along with a cash prize of $1,000. He also earned the opportunity to represent Dalhousie at the Eastern 3MT regionals in Quebec.
Popoli's research focuses on understanding the changes that occur in ALS, particularly in the connections between the cells that control movement and their respective muscles. By studying drugs that regulate and maintain the integrity of these connections, he hopes to slow down disease progression and improve symptoms. Popoli's findings have shown that the use of these drugs in ALS patients can increase life expectancy by 10% and enhance their quality of life.
Recognizing Top Finalists and Their Research
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Two other students were recognized as top finalists in the competition. Pooyan Moradi, a PhD student in medical neuroscience, earned second place for his research on using artificial intelligence to detect seizures in animals and predict epilepsy in humans who have suffered head injuries. Kaela Trumble, a master's student in rehabilitation research, placed third with her presentation on the differences in how people develop health problems related to heart disease as they age.
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The remaining eight finalists were also acknowledged for their inspiring presentations, each receiving a $100 prize. Additionally, Dina Rogers, a master's student in biochemistry and molecular biology, won the People's Choice Award for her captivating presentation on repurposing PET plastic through protein engineering to combat climate change.
Celebrating Graduate Student Research and Impact
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The 3MT competition not only showcased the impressive research being conducted by Dalhousie's graduate students but also provided an opportunity for the university community to learn about their impactful work. The event was praised by Dr. Marty Leonard, the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, who highlighted how it challenges students to make their complex research accessible and interesting to a wider audience.
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Dalhousie President Dr. Kim Brooks commended the participants and emphasized the importance of graduate students in pushing the boundaries of knowledge. She encouraged everyone to appreciate the remarkable research happening on campus and recognize the contributions made by these students.
The 3MT competition at Dalhousie University serves as a platform for graduate students to showcase their research and its potential impact. It is a celebration of their dedication and commitment to advancing knowledge and finding solutions to pressing issues in various fields.