In March, the University of Waterloo hosted the 3 Minute Thesis Competition (3MT) - a university-wide competition providing graduate students the opportunity to share their research with a non-specialist audience in three minutes with one static slide. Cash prizes were at stake, and the potential to advance and participate in the provincial finals held at Queen’s University.
Waterloo Engineering was well represented, with 64 graduate student participants from all departments. A diverse range of research interests were presented, from water treatment to nanoparticles. Finalist presentations were captured on video, including one from runner-up Matt Hunt (masters student in mechanical and mechatronics engineering) who went on to compete in the 3MT Ontario provincial finals. A complete listing of videos from the competition can be found on the University of Waterloo’s YouTube Channel.
The following presentations from engineering students were captured on video:
Matt Hunt, MASc candidate, mechanical and mechatronics engineering, "The effects of anti-icing agents on reinforcing steel in concrete"
Mohit Verma, PhD candidate, chemical engineering, "Colorimetric detection of pathogens using gold nanoparticles"
Shoeleh Shams, PhD candidate, civil and environmental engineering, "Land disturbances impacts on water quality and treatability"
Muhammad Khizer Kaleem, MASc candidate, electrical and computer engineering, "Physical layer approach for securing RFID systems"
Sara Molladavoodi, PhD candidate, mechanical and mechatronics engineering, "Cell traction force measurement"
Sami Bahakim, MASc candidate, chemical engineering, "Thinking about dynamics for safer and more economic plants"