Faculty of Applied Sciences

FAS graduate students compete in the 2025 Three Minute Thesis competition

March 07, 2025

This year's Faculty of Applied Sciences Three Minute Thesis (3MT) heat was held at SFU's Big Data Hub, with 9 students participating from our Schools of Computing Science, Mechatronic Systems Engineering and Sustainable Energy Engineering.

Mechatronic systems engineering MASc student Dexter Zamora was announced as the Winner based on the judges scores. His compelling presentation effectively summarized his studies which focuses on developing a test device for spinal cord injury research to enhance the usability for users, while also creating computational models to analyze biomechanics of spinal cord injury. His presentation is titled "Spinal Cord Injury: Bridging the Gap through Engineering.

In a remarkable turn of events, computing science PhD student Rimika Chaudhury was awarded the Runner Up based on the judges scores, as well as the People's Choice Award winner based on audience voting. Her presentation titled "Self-Monitoring for Self-Directed Learners" focuses on applying human-centered design principles to create tools that enhance self-directed online learning experiences.

Both students, along with mechatronics MASc student Fakhreddin Amirhosseini have advanced to the SFU final on April 10, 2025 where they will compete with students across the university for the chance to win $1000 and represent SFU at the Western Regional Competition.

The Three Minute Thesis competition challenges graduate students to effectively summarize and communicate their research within a significant time constraint. With three minutes and using only one slide, participants are asked to present their findings in front of a panel of judges and an audience. The judges will then review and determine the First-Place and Runner Up winners, while the audience is invited to vote for their favourite presentation for the People's Choice Award.

Visit our website for details from the FAS heat. For full details about the overall SFU competition, including the rules and event schedule, visit www.sfu.ca/3mt.