The Three-Minute Thesis Competition began at the University of Queensland in 2008. BYU graduates participate in this tradition every year and attempt the challenge to present their research in under three minutes.
Eleven different colleges held their own preliminary competitions earlier this semester. Each college selected one student to participate in this final university competition with thousands of dollars on the line.
Presenters were only allowed a single slide. Judges assessed the presentations on comprehension, content, engagement and communication.
This year's first place winner was Sam Craven, an electrical and computer engineering student. He presented his research on improving irrigation efficiency.
"I thought I was gonna throw up after they announced it," Craven said.
Second place went to plant and wildlife sciences student Maliea Holden. Her research focused on new methods of sewage treatment.
"My research is pretty crappy, so when I get an opportunity to share it with everybody it makes me feel a bit better," Holden said.
Holden also earned the presenter's choice award from her peers.
Marriage, family and student development student Madelyn Winder Bennett won third place. She investigated the effects of miscarriage and stress on future pregnancies.
"I'm so honored, and really happy and really excited," Bennett said.
Each student who participated in the competition earned one thousand dollars. The top three winners earned five thousand, four thousand and three thousand dollars, respectively.