Four CCEE Ph.D. students competed in the department’s 8th Annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition on March 24 at College of Textiles, presenting their research to an audience of judges and colleagues. Each student had three minutes and one static visual slide to make a compelling and concise statement about their thesis topic and its significance to society. Notably, all of this year’s participants discussed water-related research which is unprecedented compared to previous years. 

The CCEE’s director of graduate professional development and associate teaching professor, Meagan Kittle Autry, organized the event and worked closely with student competitors throughout the spring semester to help them refine their presentations. Autry hosted workshops that focused on revising slides, finalizing concepts, and practicing presentation run-throughs. The biggest challenge for participants was condensing the complex research into a concise thesis that would capture public interest and effectively communicate the broader impact on the community. 

The spring department event is modeled after the international 3MT, which was created at the University of Queensland. The Graduate School at NC State also hosts an annual 3MT event in the fall, where CCEE is the only department to have a finalist each year. The winners will have the opportunity to progress to a regional competition.

This year’s judges included Gregory Hedgepeth, director of marketing and communications of The Graduate School; and Jory Weintraub, director of science engagement of the Office of University Interdisciplinary Programs. 

Thomas Thelen, advised by Dr. Katherine Anarde, gave the winning presentation on contaminated coastal floodwaters.

Second place went to Sarangi Joseph, advised by Dr. Detlef Knappe, for a presentation on PFAs in water.

In addition to the judge’s picks, the audience had a chance to vote for their favorite presentation. Kichul Bae, advised by Dr. Sankar Arumugam, and Brett Vizanko, advised by Dr. Emily Berglund, tied in the People’s Choice Award.

Kichul Bae gave a presentation on how flooding can be predicted. Brent Vizanko delivered a presentation on the relationship between Covid-19, water quality, and water affordability between various areas.

The CCEE Graduate Awards Ceremony followed the 3MT Competition, recognizing outstanding graduate students for their achievements. Faculty members and the awards committee nominate students for these honors. Recipients receive monetary recognition in appreciation for their contributions to the department. 

The event also included the Spring 2025 CCEE Graduate Awards:

• Liannian Wang won the Johnston CEM Graduate Award

• Lochan Basnet won the Thomas G. Coffey Graduate Award

• Hezhou Jenny Ding won the Thomas G. Coffey Graduate Award

• Sailaja Eluri won the Thomas G. Coffey Graduate Award

• Brent Vizanko won the Callanan Graduate Fellowship

• Thomas Thelen won the Callanan Graduate Fellowship

• Jessica Levey won the Thomas Griffin Graduate Award

• Marlee Reed won the Thomas Griffin Graduate Award

• Maria Luisa Curvello Duran won the Thomas Griffin Graduate Award

• Neda Jamaleddin Smith won the Smith Garner Graduate Award