Graduate Student in Biological Science Takes First Place in USD 3MT Competition
Zavacki was awarded $350 and will advance to the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) Three Minute Thesis Competition to be held on April 4 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The USD Graduate School hosts the annual 3MT competition and provides graduate students with an opportunity to communicate the significance and impact of their research project to a non-specialized audience in just three minutes with only one PowerPoint slide.
Zavacki’s presentation was titled, "Game of Clue: Using eDNA metabarcoding to assess native freshwater mussel biodiversity in South Dakota and Nebraska.”
“I firmly believe research is only as valuable as our ability to effectively communicate it. Therefore, with this competition pushing the boundaries of science communication by blending science, public speaking and a touch of art, it challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, refine my public speaking skills and make my research accessible to a broader audience. As a winner, it validates my ability to bridge the gap between science and public understanding while giving me a platform to share my research and passion of mussels,” said Zavacki.
Ayisha Mahama, a Ph.D. student in biomedical and translational sciences, placed second and won $250. Mahadi Hasan, a Ph.D. student in materials chemistry, placed third and won $150.
The Graduate School held the preliminary round of the 3MT competition on Feb. 12 in the MUC Ballroom where nine students competed, and the panel of judges chose the top five participants to advance to the finals.
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