The GSAS Threesis Academic Challenge

ABOUT

The Ninth Annual GSAS Threesis Academic Challenge took place on Saturday, April 13, 2019. The qualifying rounds took place on Friday, April 12, 2019.

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. Threesis application decisions were be announced early in the 2019 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 2019 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 2019 GSAS Threesis Academic Challenge Winners:

   First Place & Audience Choice: Herina Ayot, Creative Writing
   A Kaleidoscope of Butterflies: The Stories That Are Never Read

   Second Place: DJ Cashmere, Journalism
   Transformation through Trust: The Bronx School that Went from Worst to First in Four Years

   Third Place: Kamrun Nahar, Environmental Health Sciences
   NYC Street Food Cart: What We Breathe

Congratulations to the 2019 GSAS Threesis Academic Challenge Finalists:

    Damla Alkan, XE: Experimental Humanities and Social Engagement
    
    Hermione Brice, XE: Experimental Humanities and Social Engagement
    
    Dean Fryn, French Studies
     
    John Hobbs, Biology
    
    Mary Kowalchyk, Psychology
    
    Chelsea R. Marks, Biology
    
    Fatima Mushtaq, Computer Science
    
    Mary Thompson, XE: Experimental Humanities and Social Engagement
    
    Jin Wang, Museum Studies 

And congratulations to all the 2019 GSAS Threesis Academic Challenge participants!