3 Minute Grad Project

A page within Graduate Education

Student presentation Student Presenting 1 Student presentation
Student presentation Student presenting 2 Student presentation
Judges deliberate Judges deliberate Judges deliberate
Event competitors Event Competitors Event competitors
Student receiving award Student Receiving Award Student receiving award
Event Information

FINAL AWARD SELECTIONS - 2023

Winner  |  $500
Presenter: KELSEY BERNA
Program: Physical Therapy
Title: The Effect of Isometric Exercise with Lower Extremity Blood Flow Restriction on Pain Pressure Thresholds

1st Runner Up  |  $300
Presenter: MADISON MOORE
Program: Clinical Microbiology
Title: Lethal Factor Identification: Staphylococcus aureus vs Novel Antibiotic SK-03-92

2nd Runner Up  |  $200
Presenter: NICOLE FRY
Program: Physical Therapy
Title: Comparison of Gait Mechanics and Muscle Forces Between Overground and Treadmill Running

People's Choice | $300
Presenter: WYLIE JACKSON
Program: School Psychology
Title: Crisis Intervention: Do You Follow Your Head or Your Heart?

3MGP information

Three Minute Grad Project challenges graduate students to present their grad project in a way that engages a general audience, with strict adherence to the three-minute time limit. Graduate students interested in competing may attend our Info Session online (view the 2023 workshop recording) to assist in preparing for the event.

All UWL graduate students may apply to compete.  All students will compete in person at the on campus event. UWL students, faculty, staff, and community members will be invited to attend the on-campus competition and participate by submitting a vote for the People's Choice Award.

A panel of community judges will evaluate the presentations for content, engagement and communication. The judges will select the top three place-winners.

The 2023 in-person event can be viewed here. 

  • UWL graduate students from any of our graduate programs may register to compete. Students enrolled in UWL graduate credits at any time during the academic year of the competition are considered eligible (summer, fall spring). 
  • Students must register to compete. Space is limited; competitors will be selected on the basis of year in the program, the number of registrants from the program, and when the application was received. Graduate Program Directors may be asked to help select which students are invited to compete. 
  • Students may present any graduate paper, project, or thesis, even if the project is not completed at the time of competition.
  • A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations, or ‘movement’ of any description are allowed. The slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration.
  • No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video) is permitted.
  • No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
  • Presentations are limited to three minutes maximum. Exceeding the three-minute maximum will result in disqualification.
  • Timing will start when presenter begins speaking or makes a movement to indicate presentation has begun.
  • The decision of the judging panel is final.

2023 Judges

Sarah Havens, Director of the Office for Population Health, Gundersen Health System 

Tim Kabat, Executive Director of the La Crosse Area Development Corporation

Beth Piggush, Integral Ecology Director, Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration

Jane Rada, Retired faculty member, Western Technical College, and Emeritus Director, UWL Foundation

Greg Reichert, Vice Chancellor for Advancement, UWL

Judging Criteria

Each competitor will be assessed on the judging criteria listed below.  Each criterion is equally weighted and has an emphasis on how well you engage a general audience.

Comprehension and Content

  • Did the presentation provide an understanding for a general audience of the background and significance of the topic being addressed?
  • Did the presentation clearly describe the key results or findings of the project, including conclusions and/or possible outcomes?
  • Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
  • Did the speaker avoid jargon, explain terminology, and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
  • Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation, or did some parts seem either drawn out or too rushed?

Engagement and Communication

  • Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
  • Was the presenter careful not to either trivialize or overstate the importance of the topic?
  • Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their project?
  • Did the presentation feel spontaneous and engaging?
  • Did the presenter capture and maintain audience attention?
  • Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact, and vocal range; maintain a steady pace, and have a confident presentation style?
  • Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation – was it visually engaging, clear, legible, and concise?

Winner: $500

1st Runner Up: $300

2nd Runner Up: $200

People's Choice: $300

People's Choice: Following the presentations, the audience will be asked to vote for their favorite presentation. The People's Choice Award may be given to any presenter (including participants receiving awards from the official judge panel). 

Graduate students are often living on very limited funding while in school. This is a unique opportunity for a student to earn extra money while providing the public with a glimpse of the exciting work being done on our campus. Join us in supporting this opportunity for UWL graduate students!

  • Follow this link or click the "Give now" button to connect with the UWL Foundation form.
    • Select "Graduate & Extended Learning."
    • For Designation select "3 Minute Grad Project"
    • *UWL employees can make a single direct contribution (or monthly donations) from their paychecks.