Graduate School Hosts 2025 Three Minute Thesis Competition
UTEP master’s and doctoral students from across disciplines rose to the challenge of presenting their research in just three minutes during the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition on Nov. 18, 2025. Students could use only one slide and no additional visual aids during the event hosted by the UTEP Graduate School.
Audience members from the University and local community filled the room, offering encouragement, applause and support for each presenter. The competition highlighted the diversity of graduate research and showcased students’ abilities to communicate complex ideas in a clear, engaging way.
“The 3MT exemplifies the core of graduate education – taking complex research and distilling it into insights that matter,” said Stephen Crites, Ph.D., dean of the Graduate School. “The 3MT allows our students to share their exceptional research with clarity and passion. It helps them become better communicators and scholars.”
Winners of this year’s competition included:
1st Place: Soumya Nair, College of Science, doctoral student in biological sciences. She presented her research on “Genes, Ethnicity, Age and Diet – Understanding Colorectal Cancer Risks in Hispanics.”
2nd Place: Valentina Sanchez-Castano, College of Engineering, doctoral student in environmental science and engineering. She talked about her study titled “Soot-rich skies and hidden heat: How dust changes the climate game.”
People’s Choice Award: Janine Hagar, College of Engineering, doctoral student in biomedical engineering. She discussed her research on “A novel multi-organoid microphysiological system to improve medicine.”
The first-place winner will represent the University at the regional 3MT competition at the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in February 2026.
“The Graduate School extends its appreciation to the faculty and staff judges, student volunteers and community supporters who helped make this event a success,” said Crystal Bright, Ph.D., assistant director of student support.
“Congratulations to all participants for their hard work, dedication and exceptional presentations,” said Maryanne Long, Ph.D., director of postdoctoral affairs and graduate fellowships. “We look forward to hosting this energetic competition again next fall semester.”
Last Updated on December 15, 2025 at 12:00 AM | Originally published December 15, 2025
By MC Staff UTEP Marketing and Communications
