Three Minute Thesis, Honoring Michael Krauski

3MT Honoring Michael Krauski logo 1500 x 400

3MT, HONORING MICHAEL KRAUSKI, WITH $1,000 SCHOLARSHIP PRIZE      

The College of Engineering & Applied Science brings this popular event back to UWM in 2025 to honor Michael Krauski, who founded the college’s Research Poster Competition in support of our students’ effective communication skills. His family generously funds a $1,000 scholarship for the winner, honoring this connection.

An 80,000-word PhD thesis would take 9 hours to present. The 3MT time limit… 3 minutes.

3MT™ is a research communication competition that challenges PhD students to explain their research thesis and its significance to a general audience in three minutes, using a single PowerPoint slide as a reference.

BACKGROUND:

The first 3MT was held at The University of Queensland in 2008 and enthusiasm for the 3MT concept grew with widespread implementation by universities around the world.

UWM TWO-PART COMPETITION:

  • Round One: 3MT video submissions by April 15 (judged prior to event)
  • Round Two: Finalists present in person April 25

ELIGIBILITY:

  • Contestants must be PhD candidates in the College of Engineering & Applied Science or advisees of the college’s faculty.
  • Contestants must also participate in the College of Engineering & Applied Science Research Poster Competition. 

IMPORTANT DATES: 

  • March 23: 3MT Storytelling Workshop (10 am – 12 pm in the LEC AmFam Dream Studio)
  • March 25: 3MT Preparing Your Slide Workshop (10 am – 12 pm in the LEC AmFam Dream Studio)
  • March 29, 2026: Registration due
  • April 15, 2026: 3MT video+PPT and poster due
  • April 20, 2026: Finalists notified by this date
  • Finalists can reserve time for practice session/review with Asst. Prof. Premnath at premnath@uwm.edu.
  • April 25, 2026: Finalists present in person

INSTRUCTIONS:

Register for the 2026 Research Poster Competition & Experiential Expo by March 29, 2026, and confirm your intent to participate in 3MT Honoring Mike Krauski in your registration. Then upload the following by April 15, 2026:

One unedited video not to exceed three minutes

This is an unedited video of yourself explaining the research issue, solution, and impact clearly and concisely, keeping in mind the judging criteria.

A single static PowerPoint slide

The single PPT slide may not include transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any kind. The slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration.

HELPFUL INFORMATION

Preparing Your Video: https://threeminutethesis.uq.edu.au/3mt-video-recording-competitor-guide

Preparing Your Presentation: https://threeminutethesis.uq.edu.au/resources/3mt-competitor-guide

JUDGING CRITERIA: (40 points maximum)

Comprehension & Content (up to 10 points)
  • Did the presentation help the audience understand the research?
  • Did the presenter clearly outline the nature and aims of research?
  • Do you know what is significant about this research?
  • Did the presentation follow a logical sequence?
Engagement (up to 10 points)
  • Did the presentation make the audience want to know more?
  • Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or over-simplify their research?
  • Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their work?
  • Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience’s attention?
Communication (up to 10 points)
  • Was the thesis topic and its significance communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
  • Did the speaker use sufficient eye contact and vocal range; maintain a steady pace, and a confident stance?
  • Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology that needed to be used, and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
  • Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation?
Overall Impression (up to 10 points)

2025 WINNER

Abul Borkot Md Rafiqul Hasan, How Heat Changes the Way Fuel Flows in Space; Advisor: Krishna Pillai

Image of Michael Krauski
Meet Mike Krauski