NMU hosts second-annual thesis competition
MARQUETTE — On Thursday, Northern Michigan University held the Three Minute Thesis competition, where competitors went head–to–head in front of judges to defend their thesis.
Originating in Australia, this is the second year in a row NMU has decided to host the competition.
Students present a variety of topics of their choosing, with a chance to win cash prizes. It is a great opportunity for students to gain real–world experience.
“This kind of thing is great for the students to expand how they talk about their research, and get used to talking to a wide audience. It’s not just people from their department; it’s not just people who already know about this research. You have to back up and explain what you’re doing, and that’s very helpful in getting jobs and applying for grants in the future, or basically just telling people about yourself. They don’t want to hear a bunch of jargon; they want to hear what you’re actually doing,” said Janelle Taylor, Principal Secretary of Graduate Education and Research.
The overall winner of the competition will move on to present their thesis at the regional level, and possibly the national level.