NAU Graduate College 3MRP
The 3 Minute Research Presentation (3MRP) Competition provides an opportunity for NAU graduate students to present their thesis, dissertation, capstone research, scholarship, and/or creative work to an intelligent, non-specialist audience in just three minutes. This professional development opportunity is designed to increase and improve graduate students’ communication skills as well as their capacity to effectively present research, scholarship, or creative work. Please see the Call for Abstracts for complete information, the timeline, and student eligibility criteria.
Spring 2020 3MRP Final Competition
The 2020 3MRP will be held virtually this year. Judging will take place in the next few weeks to determine the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd winners with professional videos of the 11 finalists’ presentations to be recorded in NAU’s studios and released by the university at a later time for public voting on additional prizes.
Competitor information & resources
Please direct any questions to 3MRP@nau.edu
Please Note: You do not need to have complete data analysis or be “defense ready” on your capstone, thesis, or dissertation work to participate in the 3MRP competition!
Information Accordion Closed
We are looking for students who have made progress on their project, research, creative work, etc. and can prepare a presentation that addresses scope, significance, and impact of their work. Presenting preliminary data, pilot study data, and preliminary results is fine; results do not necessarily need to be conclusive.
Additionally, NAU’s Graduate College offers robust training and formal practice sessions for Northern Arizona University graduate students participating in the event. We work with you through training sessions, practice sessions, librarian support, and library resources so that you will be fully prepared and polished before you participate in the event.
Students wishing to participate in the 3MRP competition are required to submit an abstract using the Abstract Submission Form by January 22, 2020 at 11:59 pm, attend one information session and one practice session. Students wishing to participate in the information and practice sessions – but not compete – are also required to submit an abstract using the Abstract Submission Form by January 22, 2020 at 11:59 pm.
Please see the Call for Abstracts for complete information, the timeline, and student eligibility criteria.
Information and practice sessions Accordion Closed
Information sessions are scheduled for January 27 (5:00-6:00), January 30 (1:00-2:00), or January 31 (9:00-10:00). Attend any session that fits your schedule; no need to sign up or RSVP. All information sessions will be held in Cline Library, room 131. During the information session, which is similar to a training session, we will share some historical information about the event, give specific tips and strategies about talking about research to a non-specialist audience (in just 3 minutes!), go over the timeline and rules of the competition, and answer any questions.
Practice sessions will take place in Cline Library, room 131 on February 13, 17, 18, or 21 in 30-minute increments. Sign-up information to be provided later. All participants are required to attend one practice session. During the practice session, you will practice your 3MRP presentation, it will be recorded for you to view later, and you will get feedback on your presentation and slide.
Please see the Call for Abstracts for complete information, the timeline, and student eligibility criteria.
Presentation recordings:
Information session recording (January 30, 2020)
Training resources Accordion Closed
Training Session materials
Criteria, and training presentation
- 3MRP Suggested Student Timeline
- 3MRP Judges Evaluation Sheet
- Research Assistance from Research Librarians
- The Studios
- Request Studios Assistance
- Reserve Equipment
Presentation examples
- NAU Graduate College 3MRP Competition Finals
- University of Queensland
- University of British Columbia
- University of Melbourne
Helpful hints and tips
- Making the Most of Your 3 Minutes– Simon Clews
- Communicating Your Research in Lay Language– Christian A Linte
- 10 Hints for Improving Presentations for the Three Minute Competition– Danielle Fischer
- How to Talk about Your 3 Minute Thesis– Inger Mewburn
- Improv Helps Ph.D.’s Explain Their Work – and Loosen Up