Mastering the 3-Minute Thesis: Insights from 2024 HKUST 3MT Champion

The 3MT^® Competition challenges researchers to distill years of work into a captivating three-minute presentation. This year’s HKUST champion, Nahid Khodabakhshi, PhD student in Civil Engineering, shared insights into her success.

Q: Congratulations on winning the 2024 HKUST 3MT^® Competition! How did you first hear about the 3MT competition, and what motivated you to participate?

Thank you for your congratulations! I first heard about the 3MT competition through a promotional email from HKUST. I thought, “Wow, squeezing years of research into a 3-minute talk? That’s a great challenge, I want to do it!”. The chance to share my work with a wider audience was a great opportunity too. Moreover, the rich history and international reach of the competition sparked my interest. As you know, this competition originated at the University of Queensland in 2008 and is currently spanning over 900 universities across 85 countries. Winning this competition would be an incredible honor as the winner is granted the opportunity to represent HKUST on a global stage. I’m also looking forward to building new connections along the way.

Nahid Khodabakhshi, Champion of 2024 HKUST 3MT

Q: Can you walk us through your preparation process for the competition? How did you distill your research into a three-minute presentation?

Preparing for this competition was like trying to fit an elephant into a suitcase! I started by picking out the most interesting bits of my research. Then, I worked on telling a clear, catchy story that would keep the audience hooked. It was all about making the complex research simple yet engaging.

Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced during your preparation for the 3MT competition? How did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge definitely was trying to make my complex research easy to understand without losing its depth. I tackled this by breaking down my main ideas into simple terms. Plus, I practiced my talk over and over to get the timing just right.

Q: As someone who has successfully communicated complex research in a short time, what tips would you give to other researchers preparing for similar competitions?

If you’re thinking of joining a similar competition, here’s my advice: start early and give yourself ample time to prepare for the presentation. Focus on the key points and identify the most significant and impactful aspects of your research that can be effectively communicated in a short time. Practice and rehearse your presentation extensively to improve your delivery, timing, and confidence. Most importantly, let your passion for your research shine, as it can captivate the audience and make your presentation memorable.

Q: As you are pursuing a dual-degree PhD could you share more about the two degrees? How do you manage the workload and expectations from two different research topics?

As a dual-degree PhD student, I am pursuing research in two related fields at two different universities, HKUST and Sharif University of Technology (SUT). Managing the workload and expectations from both programs is challenging but achievable with good planning and time management.

I am passionate about both of my PhD subjects because they are not only fascinating but also have significant practical applications. This dual-degree program allows me to explore different aspects of structural civil engineering and contribute to advancements in the field.

Q: Balancing research as dual-degree PhD student, competitions, and possibly teaching or other responsibilities can be demanding. How do you manage your time and stay organized?

Dealing with all these responsibilities is definitely challenging, but it’s not an obstacle. The key is to stay organized and enjoy the journey. I prioritize tasks by setting clear goals and deadlines and breaking tasks down into bite-sized pieces. I also make sure to take breaks and practice self-care to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Embracing the challenges and finding joy in the process keeps me motivated and productive.

Q: Lastly, what advice would you give to other PhD students or early-career researchers who are considering participating in the 3MT competition or pursuing a PhD? Do you have any additional closing remarks?

To anyone considering joining the 3MT competition or doing a PhD, I’d say go for it! It’s a great way to grow and learn and sharpen your communication skills. Also, remember to take care of your health and don’t forget to enjoy the journey.

Before signing off, I want to sincerely thank my supervisors, Prof. Ilias Dimitrakopoulos at HKUST and Prof. Alireza Khaloo at SUT, for their unwavering support. It’s truly an honor to be their student, as they are both amazing teachers and researchers. Their mentorship and guidance have helped me grow as a researcher, and I am eager to continue learning from them in the future.

– By Jennifer Gu (Library) and Nahid Khodabakhshi (Guest Contributor)

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