2026 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) | Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs

The background is a spotlight shining down. Across the beam it says "3 minute thesis showdown. Represent your school. Claim the title. win the cash." the words showdown look like they are spray painted across the center of the screen.

Big Ideas. 3 Minutes. One Slide.

3-Minute Thesis (3MT) is an annual competition that challenges doctoral students to present their research in just 3 minutes, using one static slide and language the layperson can understand. It’s a fast-paced, university-wide competition celebrating clarity, creativity, and the art of making research accessible. For audience members, the competition is an entertaining, fast-paced way to discover fascinating ideas and learn something new with every presentation.

Miss this year's competition? Check back this fall for info on participating in 2027!

Congratulations to our 2026 Winners!

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First Place & People's Choice

Ashley Bastin

"Trained to Destroy: Uncovering the Causes of HIV-Associated Dementias"

Ph.D, Biological Sciences, Columbian College of Arts and Sciences

Advisors: Dr. Tara Scully and Dr. Michael Bukrinsky

Watch Her Presentation

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Second Place

Elton VanNoy

"Epigenetic Modulation During CAR T Cell Manufacturing: Advancing Immunotherapeutic Strategies for Pediatric Glioma"

PhD Pharmacology & Physiology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences

Advisor: Dr. Dalia Haydar

Watch Her Presentation

A young man wearing glasses in a blue suit and pink tie is holding a mircphone in his left hand, and smiling. You can see a slide behind him

Third Place

Nick Foreman

"Exercise Prevents the Negative Effects of High-Fat Foods"

PhD Exercise Physiology & Applied Nutrition, Milken Institute School of Public Health

Advisor: Dr. Matthew Barberio

Watch His Presentation

A young man in a blue suit, a young woman in a black tutrlneck, an older man in a grey suit and a young woman in a grey suit are all standing together and smiling. The three young people are holding giant checks with the various prize and cash amount

Dr. Suresh Subramaniam, Vice Provost of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs with the 2026 3MT Winners

Questions? Contact Hillary Hughes at ogagwu [dot] edu (oga[at]gwu[dot]edu)

*Cash prizes may be subject to taxation