Arts grad students earn second at French three-minute thesis competition

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Each March, which is the Month of La Francophonie, a French version of the Three-Minute Thesis competition entitled “Ma thèse en 180 secondes” (MT180) is organized by Acfas-Toronto-CSO, a national learned society that promotes the communication of science in French.

This year’s competition was held March 12 at York University’s Glendon Campus with 11 students competing in three categories: College and Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate.

Two Waterloo Arts students won within their respective categories: Jacob Legault-Leclair, a PhD candidate in Sociology and Legal Studies, placed 2nd in the Doctorate regional competition, and Emily Mashaal, a Master’s candidate in cognitive neuroscience in the Department of Psychology, placed 2nd in the Master’s category. Mashaal was later interviewed for a segment on Radio-Canada. Both competitors received a $500 award.

Chantal Trudel, a PhD candidate inCognitive Neuroscience, also chaired the organizing committee for MT180.

Félicitations à Jacob et Emily !

Jacob Legault-Leclair receiving his award
Jacob Legault-Leclair 
PhD candidate, Sociology and Legal Studies
2nd in the PhD regional competition
Emily Mashaal receiving her award
Emily Mashaal
MA candidate, Cognitive Neuroscience, Psychology
2nd in the Master’s category

This news item is adapted from one that originally appeared in the Daily Bulletin