Graduate students at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) participated in the annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition on November 18, 2025. The event, organized by the UTEP Graduate School, challenged master’s and doctoral students from various disciplines to present their research using only one slide and within a three-minute time limit.
The competition drew an audience from both the university and the local community. Attendees provided support for each presenter as they explained complex research topics in a concise manner.
Stephen Crites, Ph.D., dean of the Graduate School, commented on the importance of the event: “The 3MT exemplifies the core of graduate education – taking complex research and distilling it into insights that matter. The 3MT allows our students to share their exceptional research with clarity and passion. It helps them become better communicators and scholars.”
This year’s winners were announced as follows:
– First place: Soumya Nair, a doctoral student in biological sciences from the College of Science, for her presentation titled “Genes, Ethnicity, Age and Diet – Understanding Colorectal Cancer Risks in Hispanics.”
– Second place: Valentina Sanchez-Castano, a doctoral student in environmental science and engineering from the College of Engineering, for her study “Soot-rich skies and hidden heat: How dust changes the climate game.”
– People’s Choice Award: Janine Hagar, a doctoral student in biomedical engineering from the College of Engineering, for her work on “A novel multi-organoid microphysiological system to improve medicine.”
Soumya Nair will go on to represent UTEP at the regional 3MT competition during the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, scheduled for February 2026.
Crystal Bright, Ph.D., assistant director of student support at UTEP’s Graduate School, acknowledged those who contributed to organizing this year’s event: “The Graduate School extends its appreciation to the faculty and staff judges, student volunteers and community supporters who helped make this event a success.”
Maryanne Long, Ph.D., director of postdoctoral affairs and graduate fellowships at UTEP added: “Congratulations to all participants for their hard work, dedication and exceptional presentations. We look forward to hosting this energetic competition again next fall semester.”
