Western Sydney University Higher Degree Research (HDR) candidates have showcased their innovative research during the annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition.
As part of a fast-paced and exciting final held on Thursday, 25 August online, fifteen exceptional candidates presented their work in just three minutes to an esteemed panel of judges.
Dmitrii Shek from the School of Medicine was named the overall winner for his presentation explaining his work to decipher the biomarkers of cancer immunotherapy. He will represent the University at the Asia-Pacific 3MT competition in October.
“3MT is an outstanding competition that allows PhD candidates to thoroughly review their project and meet the challenge of summarising it in three minutes. Furthermore, it is a unique opportunity to present to a non-specialist audience and develop an essential skill for the modern scientist,” said Dmitrii.
Dmitrii’s insightful presentation highlighted how mapping the biomarkers of immune-related adverse events is an essential step toward developing strategies for the prevention, diagnosis and personalised approach in cancer treatment.
“It was a huge honour to share my research, be recognised as the overall winner, and now have the opportunity to represent Western Sydney University internationally,” he said.
Other talented HDR candidates recognised included Caitlin Fitzgibbon from the School of Health Sciences, who was named Runner Up for her presentation on her work exploring dual-qualified nurse paramedics as an untapped resource in the health system.
“My research rethinks the health workforce we already have to improve patient care and to help ease the burden on the system. 3MT has been an enjoyable challenge and fantastic networking opportunity,” said Caitlin.
Sindhu Sheoran from the Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment received the People’s Choice award for her presentation on evaluating the impacts of high diversity landscapes on pollinators in India and Australia.
“We can’t imagine our life without food, so we can’t afford to ignore any of the elements associated with food production. 3MT was an opportunity to try something new, step back and think about why my research is important,” said Sindhu.
The judging panel for this year’s competition included:
- Mr Robyn Williams AM, host of The Science Show, ABC Radio National
- Professor Peter Wilson, Leader of Science Education, The King’s School
- Dr Shantala Mohan, Director of Research Impact and Integrity, Western Sydney University
- Professor Clive Baldock, Dean, Graduate Studies and Researcher Development, Western Sydney University
- Professor Gawaian Bodkin-Andrews, Professor of Indigenous Research, Western Sydney University, and
- Associate Professor Jo-Anne Chuck, Head of Teaching and Curriculum, Learning Futures, Western Sydney University.
