The GSAS Threesis Academic Challenge

First Place and Audience Choice - Herina Ayot

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

First Place and Audience Choice - Herina Ayot

Audience Choice Award
Herina Ayot
Creative Writing 
A Kaleidoscope of Butterflies: The Stories That Are Never Read

Second Place - DJ Cashmere

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

Third Place - Kamrun Nahar

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

ABOUT

The Threesis Academic Challenge 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 are invited to submit an application with an abstract of their thesis, capstone project, or other graduate-level research. Threesis application decisions will be announced early in the 2020 spring semester. Those selected to participate in Threesis, will receive dates for the mandatory mentoring workshops during which they will receive 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 2020 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!