About the Event

The 3MT® competition provides a unique opportunity to share your work with the broader community in a fun and exciting format. The 3MT® competition allows graduate students to present their research in just 3 minutes with the aid of a single slide.

The winner of GVSU’s 3MT® receives a cash prize as well full funding to represent GVSU at the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) 3MT® competition in early April. Awards are as follows:

• First Place: $500 cash prize
• Second Place: $250 cash prize
• Third Place: $100 cash prize
• People's Choice: Swag bag

Learn more about the MAGS 3MT® Competition

Students completing graduate level projects, dissertations, and theses are eligible to participate in the competition.

Winter 2025 Competition

When: February 25, 2025 3:00-5:00 p.m.

Submission Form:  http://9dap.eduftp.net/gs/cms-form-edit.htm?formId=C50CA7B4-9A78-A920-EC357AAAFF1426B1

Submissions Due: February 11, 2025

1st Place Winner - Ruth Yeboah

Ruth Yeboah, an international student from Ghana, explores the intersection of identity, culture, and communication. She earned her Bachelor’s in English Education in 2020 and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Communication at Grand Valley State University. As a researcher, Ruth examines how African students in the U.S. navigate language, technology, and cultural adaptation, shaping hybrid identities in higher education. Beyond academia, she is passionate about global education, DEI initiatives, and student-centered learning, advocating for inclusive policies that support international student success.

Presentation Title: Africanism in America: Exploring Hybrid Identities of African Students in the U.S.

2nd Place Winner - Renée Tardani

Renée Tardani has been a lifelong resident of Muskegon County and obtained her B.S. In Biology-Botany and Biomedical Sciences from Grand Valley State University in 2018. After working in multiple labs, she entered the Partridge Lab in 2020 as an hemlock wooly adelgid call-in technician and has worked at AWRI in both the Rediske and Partridge Labs as an adjunct research technician. She has collaborated with projects related to eDNA tracking of invasive species, SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance through MDHHS, beach monitoring with Public Health Muskegon County for fecal indicator bacteria on public beaches, and microbial source tracking of recreational waters. Her graduate thesis with Dr. Charlyn Partridge focuses on molecular assessment of cyanobacteria populations in local waters and is actively collaborating with the EPA and Steinman lab to explore species compositional changes following interventional strategies on a mesocosm scale.

Presentation Title: Cyanobacteria Bloom Dynamics Along Inland Public Beaches in Muskegon County

3rd Place Winner - Eric Opoku

Eric Opoku is a Data Science and Analytics MSc student at GVSU hailing from Ghana, with a BSc in Computer Science from the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Ghana. His research focuses on resource-aware multi-modal AI systems, lightweight federated machine learning, deep learning for medical imaging, and scalable healthcare AI solutions for resource-constrained environments. In his free time, Eric enjoys teaching kids, jogging, and exploring new technologies.

Presentation Title: Breaking the Cycle: Predicting Diabetic Readmissions with AI

3rd Place Winner - Kaylynne Dennis

Kaylynne Dennis is a current graduate student at GVSU pursuing a master’s degree in biology with a focus in Aquatic Science. She completed her undergraduate degree at Michigan State in Zoology, dual focusing in Marine Biology and Ecology, Evolution, and the Organismal Body. Her passion for water and climate change studies led her to Dr. Bopi Biddanda’s lab at the Annis Water Resources Institute where she uses long-term monitoring and high-frequency data collection to analyze trends over time in her local freshwater system of Muskegon Lake.  

Presentation Title: Using Long Term Carbon Cycling Trends to Understand the Effects of Climate Change on a Great Lakes Estuary

3rd Place Winner - Leya Shekanena

Leya Shekanena is a graduate student in the Adult Higher Education program at Grand Valley State University. She is an avid reader, writer, and teacher of English

Presentation Title: Black Women and Harm

People's Choice Winner - Kenta Abe

Kenta Abe, an international student from Japan, is a current Master of Public Health Candidate at GVSU, studying epidemiology. He obtained a Bachelor of Intercultural Communication at the Hosei University in Tokyo, and a Master of Technology in Innovation for Design and Engineering (AI and Data Science Enhanced) at the Advanced Institute of Industrial Technology in Tokyo. His interest is now epidemiological analysis of Parkinson's disease.

Presentation Title: How Chromosome 12 SNPs and Environmental Factors Contribute to Parkinson’s Disease?

People's Choice Winner - Ruth Yeboah

Ruth Yeboah, an international student from Ghana, explores the intersection of identity, culture, and communication. She earned her Bachelor’s in English Education in 2020 and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Communication at Grand Valley State University. As a researcher, Ruth examines how African students in the U.S. navigate language, technology, and cultural adaptation, shaping hybrid identities in higher education. Beyond academia, she is passionate about global education, DEI initiatives, and student-centered learning, advocating for inclusive policies that support international student success.

Presentation Title: Africanism in America: Exploring Hybrid Identities of African Students in the U.S.

Caleb Cheruiyot

Caleb Cheruiyot is an international student from Kenya and a Master of Science in Applied Computer Science candidate at Grand Valley State University. Guided by Dr. Jiaxin Du, he is developing a Data Fusion Knowledge Graph, a project driven by his passion for data analysis and software development. This innovative system integrates heterogeneous data sources to enhance decision-making, ensuring greater reliability and usability across multiple domains. Beyond research, Caleb serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, where he mentors students and nurtures their enthusiasm for technology. Set to graduate in April 2025, he is dedicated to applying his expertise to develop impactful solutions for real-world challenges.

Christopher Khajira

Christopher Khajira is a graduate student in Computer Science with a research focus in computational modeling, visual search and AI applications. 

Eamonn Powers

Eamonn Powers is currently a Biology MS student at GVSU studying in Dr. Eric Snyder's Lab. He is originally from just outside of Boston Massachusetts and went to Penn State where he studied wildlife and fisheries science with a concentration in fisheries science and a minor in watersheds and water resources. Eamonn is a passionate angler and conservationist who has fished and worked fisheries jobs across America. Now Eamonn is currently focused on how we can use hydroacoustics and machine learning to remotely monitor Lake Sturgeon as they migrate up the Grand River.

Eric Opoku

Eric Opoku is a Data Science and Analytics MSc student at GVSU hailing from Ghana, with a BSc in Computer Science from the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Ghana. His research focuses on resource-aware multi-modal AI systems, lightweight federated machine learning, deep learning for medical imaging, and scalable healthcare AI solutions for resource-constrained environments. In his free time, Eric enjoys teaching kids, jogging, and exploring new technologies.

Kaylynne Dennis

Kaylynne Dennis is a current graduate student at GVSU pursuing a master’s degree in biology with a focus in Aquatic Science. She completed her undergraduate degree at Michigan State in Zoology, dual focusing in Marine Biology and Ecology, Evolution, and the Organismal Body. Her passion for water and climate change studies led her to Dr. Bopi Biddanda’s lab at the Annis Water Resources Institute where she uses long-term monitoring and high-frequency data collection to analyze trends over time in her local freshwater system of Muskegon Lake.  

Kenta Abe

Kenta Abe, an international student from Japan, is a current Master of Public Health Candidate at GVSU, studying epidemiology. He obtained a Bachelor of Intercultural Communication at the Hosei University in Tokyo, and a Master of Technology in Innovation for Design and Engineering (AI and Data Science Enhanced) at the Advanced Institute of Industrial Technology in Tokyo. His interest is now epidemiological analysis of Parkinson's disease.

Leya Shekanena

Leya Shekanena is a graduate student in the Adult Higher Education program at Grand Valley State University. She is an avid reader, writer, and teacher of English

Renée Tardani

Renée Tardani has been a lifelong resident of Muskegon County and obtained her B.S. In Biology-Botany and Biomedical Sciences from Grand Valley State University in 2018. After working in multiple labs, she entered the Partridge Lab in 2020 as an hemlock wooly adelgid call-in technician and has worked at AWRI in both the Rediske and Partridge Labs as an adjunct research technician. She has collaborated with projects related to eDNA tracking of invasive species, SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance through MDHHS, beach monitoring with Public Health Muskegon County for fecal indicator bacteria on public beaches, and microbial source tracking of recreational waters. Her graduate thesis with Dr. Charlyn Partridge focuses on molecular assessment of cyanobacteria populations in local waters and is actively collaborating with the EPA and Steinman lab to explore species compositional changes following interventional strategies on a mesocosm scale.

Ruth Yeboah

Ruth Yeboah, an international student from Ghana, explores the intersection of identity, culture, and communication. She earned her Bachelor’s in English Education in 2020 and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Communication at Grand Valley State University. As a researcher, Ruth examines how African students in the U.S. navigate language, technology, and cultural adaptation, shaping hybrid identities in higher education. Beyond academia, she is passionate about global education, DEI initiatives, and student-centered learning, advocating for inclusive policies that support international student success.

Sumaiya Benta Nasir

Sumaiya Benta Nasir is an engineering professional with expertise in product development, manufacturing processes, and plastic injection molding. She holds a Master’s degree in Engineering from Grand Valley State University and a B.Sc. in Industrial & Production Engineering from BUET. With over five years of teaching experience, she has contributed to multiple research publications on design, optimization, and defect reduction. Her skills include CAD design, finite element analysis, design of experiments (DOE), Lean Six Sigma, CNC programming, machining, and rapid prototyping. Passionate about design optimization, manufacturing efficiency, and research-driven innovation, she is committed to continuous improvement and problem-solving in engineering.

1st Place Winner - Jowei Yek 

Jowei Yek, an international student from Malaysia, is currently pursuing a dual master's degree in Business Administration and Social Innovation. With a keen interest in harmonizing the fields of business and nonprofits, Jowei demonstrated his expertise by crafting actionable business strategies for organizations like the Fulton Street Market. Presently, he is dedicated to exploring innovative approaches that empower businesses to create lasting, meaningful impacts within the Grand Rapids community.

Presentation title: Perceived Costs and Benefits to Employing Intern-national Students

2nd Place Winner - Kate Lucas

Kate is a current graduate student at GVSU, pursuing a master’s degree in biology with a focus in Aquatic Science. Originally from St. Louis, she completed her undergraduate degree at Iowa State University where she double majored in Biology and Environmental Studies. Her passion for water led her to work in Dr. Al Steinman’s lab at the Annis Water Resources Institute, where she now helps research aquatic ecosystems around the state.

Presentation title: Impact of Climate Change and Restoration on Phosphorus Loading in an Impaired Wetland

3rd Place Winner - Rheyna Bui

A Grand Rapids native, with Vietnamese and African-American roots, Rheyna Bui delves into the vibrant tapestry of identity and culture through the lens of communication. Rheyna received her Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing-Sales and Supply Chain Management from GVSU in 2021. At 23, Rheyna is pursuing a Master of Science in Communications, while honing her skills as a Digital Communications Associate at Home Repair Services of Kent County fueling her passion for building connections and amplifying diverse voices.

Presentation title: Identity Negotiations of Multiracial Vietnamese-Americans Through the Lens of Hybridity

People's Choice Winner - Grace Forlines

Grace Forlines is a dedicated and compassionate advocate for inclusivity and accessibility, currently pursuing her Master of Public Health at Grand Valley State University. While holding a bachelor’s degree in clinical Exercise Science, she has developed a passion for promoting engagement in physical activity. Grace proudly serves as the Physical Activity Section Program Vice Chair through the American Public Health Association, showing her dedication to advancing inclusive health practices. In her previous roles as a personal trainer and group exercise instructor at the campus rec center, she developed a strong interest in researching and implementing inclusive.

Presentation title: Exercise for Everybody: Inclusive Fitness Programming for College Students with Disabilities

3MT Spotlight: Mariana Naddaf

Mariana Naddaf was 3MT participant in 2016 and her thesis was recently considered for the MAGS 2019 Distinguished Master’s Thesis Awards .

What experience did you gain from the competition?

Through the competition and practice I did in the Speech Lab, I was able to hone in on my presentation, writing, and communication skills. Also, it gave me the experience to hear about my peers' research topics, methods, and results. It was an exiting competition!

What is one piece of advice you have for current GVSU graduate students?

Take advantage of the resources you have available to you. I was able to complete a thesis, apply for conferences, receive funding support from GVSU for conferences, and participate in the 3-Minute Thesis Competition.

Previous years' GVSU 3-Minute Thesis Competition Highlights.