Leah Gastonguay, PhD student in plant, insect and microbial sciences, won first place in Mizzou’s 3MT (Three-Minute Thesis) Competition Nov. 19. Her presentation was titled, “Feeding Hungry Pollinators.”

First-place honors include a monetary award, as well as an all-expenses paid trip to represent Mizzou at the regional 3MT® competition at the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools Annual Meeting in Baton Rouge, Feb. 18-20, 2026. Gastonguay is advised by Debbie Finke, professor of plant science and technology.

Three-Minute Thesis is a research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland in Australia. The exercise challenges doctoral candidates to present a compelling oration on their dissertation topic and its significance in just three minutes. 3MT® develops academic, presentation and research communication skills and supports the development of students’ capacity to effectively explain their research in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.

At Mizzou, the competition is sponsored by the Graduate School, and held each fall. Participants are judged on comprehension and content, as well as engagement and communication.

Learn more on the Graduate School’s website.