The GSAS Threesis Academic Challenge

ABOUT

The Eighth Annual GSAS Threesis Academic Challenge took place on Saturday, April 14, 2018. The qualifying rounds took place on Friday, April 13, 2018.

The Threesis is a vehicle to showcase the academic excellence and important scholarly work of GSAS master’s students. Each participant has three minutes to present a compelling oration on the significance of their research in language appropriate for a non-specialized audience. 

In order to be considered for entry in the GSAS Threesis Academic Challenge, master’s students were invited to submit this application with an abstract of their thesis, capstone project, or other graduate-level research (as defined below), by Friday, February 9, 2018. Threesis application decisions were be announced early in the 2018 spring semester. Those selected to participate in Threesis, received dates for the mandatory mentoring workshops during which they received constructive feedback from Threesis alumni, the talented subject librarians of Bobst, and more.

ELIGIBILITY

Anyone who is enrolled in a GSAS master’s program (including students with a thesis under submission) is eligible. Graduates of the current academic year are also eligible.

DEFINITIONS

Thesis: any thesis, capstone project, creative project, or graduate-level research required by your department.

Abstract: a brief description of your project in one to three paragraphs (250 words). 

A single static PowerPoint slide is required (no slide transitions, animations, or "movement" of any type permitted). No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files). No additional props (e.g. costumes, instrumentals, materials, etc.). Presentations are limited to three minutes. The judges' decisions are final.

JUDGING CRITERIA

1. Mastery: Does the speaker clearly grasp the material? 

2. Style: Is the thesis topic and its significance communicated in language accessible for a non-specialized audience?

3. Engagement: Does the oration captivate and intrigue the audience? 

BENEFITS

Win prize money and the title of the 2018 Threesis Champion: GSAS awards prizes for first place ($1,000), second place ($750), and third place ($500). The audience also determines the audience choice award ($750). Plus, participating departments in the Threesis Incentive Program award $300 to their students if they make it to the Final Round.

Network and engage with academics and mentors from across the University.

Connect with fellow master's students from a variety of departments and programs throughout the Graduate School.

Showcase and improve your public speaking skills, which are great for doctoral programs, job interviews, and more!

Congratulations to the 2018 GSAS Threesis Academic Challenge Winners:

First Place: Ehimamiegho Idahosa-Erese, Psychology
How Do You Really Feel?

Second Place: Emma Sarconi, English
Mass Produced Personal Treasures: Gift Books in Antebellum America

Third Place & Audience Choice: Kristen Graves, Experimental Humanities
Songwriting: A Tool for Empowering Youth

Congratulations to the 2018 GSAS Threesis Academic Challenge Finalists:

   Iván Espinosa, Performance Studies

   John Hobbs, Biology

   Laura Lee Huttenbach, Journalism

   Ahmed Mansour, Journalism

   Emily Schmitz, Museum Studies

   Maya Singhal, Experimental Humanities

   Shivendra Panicker, Computer Science

   Farshin Zargaran, International Relations

   Manal Zorigtbaatar, Environmental Health Sciences

And congratulations to all the 2018 GSAS Threesis Academic Challenge participants!