Faculty of Education Heat Winners: 3 Minute Thesis

First Place Winner: Emmeline Hoogland
Program: PhD, Educational Technology and Learning Design
Supervisor: Dr. Engida Gebre

Topic: Family portraits from bud to bloom: (Hidden) dimensions of teenagers’ flowering relationship with Nature

"Coming from a Science Education and Communication background, it is useful to consider presenting something as complex as your research engagingly and understandably! It makes you think about what elements of your research are relevant and interesting to a broader audience. I wasn’t sure I could participate at first, as I haven’t started collecting data yet, but I am very happy I could." 

"One of my favourite moments of the Heat was when we had some time to talk when the jury was deliberating – as everyone there now knows a bit about your research. It was an honour to be both the winner and the people’s choice, as it felt like I could connect with the audience and the judges. For anyone thinking about participating in the future – just go for it and don’t overthink it! Even if you don’t want to participate, try and see if you can explain your research in 3 minutes or less – it makes talking to family and friends easier!"

Runner-Up: Olessya Akimenko
Program: PhD, Languages, Cultures & Literacies
Supervisor: Dr. Ena Lee

Topic: Discourses of EAL Teacher Identity: Stakeholder Perceptions in Canada

"I wasn't sure how I could condense my substantial doctoral study into just 3 minutes, but I'm thrilled to have succeeded in this challenging task. Being chosen as the runner-up is a great honour, considering the excellent presentations by others."

"My advice for future participants is to present as if speaking to a general audience. Make your talk interesting and understandable by simplifying it or adding humour and pop culture references. The 3MT competition not only helps you make your study accessible to all but also reignites your passion by offering a fresh perspective."