The UVA Grad Thesis SLAM provides doctoral students from all disciplines an opportunity to effectively explain their research in three minutes in language appropriate for a non-specialist audience. This is a modified version of the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition to make it inclusive for all disciplines.
Join us for the final competition from 3:30-5:30 pm on April 23, at the Contemplative Commons.
Eligibility
All current UVA doctoral candidates (or equivalent) who have passed their qualifying exams are eligible to enter the Grad Thesis SLAM competition.
Benefits of Competing
- Chance to win cash prizes (1st place wins $1,000, with prizes for all finalists)!
- Get practice talking about research to non-specialists (a useful skill in many situations)
- Learn how to distill your thesis down to what’s most important
- Receive guidance and a chance to practice public speaking, including supportive feedback sessions
- Meet grad students from other disciplines and learn about different academic norms and research practices
Overview & Timeline
The Grad Thesis SLAM competition includes a 4-part Preparation Series, Preliminary Competition, and Final Competition. In the Preliminary Rounds, panels of judges will review presentations, provide supportive and constructive feedback to students, and select finalists. The top scored presentations from the preliminary round advance to the 2026 Grad Thesis SLAM Final Competition.
Preparation Series | February 12, 19, & 26, 12:00-1:30 pm (virtual)
Grad Thesis SLAM Practice Sessions | March 17 or 18, times TBA (in person)
You do not need to commit to competing to join us for the Preparation Series, nor do you need to take part in the preparation series to compete. However, all competitors must do one practice session (~20 minutes) with Anne-Charlotte Mecklenburg, either as part of a Preparation Series group practice session (March 17 or 18) or in one-on-one consultation. All eligible and interest PhD candidates (or equivalent) are invited to participate.
Preliminary Round Competition | March 23-31 (in person)
All competitors must participate in the initial round of the competition, where judges will review and evaluate each presentation based on the scoring rubric. UVA doctoral candidates who have an extenuating circumstance during the scheduled dates of the Preliminary Round in March (i.e., required travel for research, conflict with a conference, familial obligations, etc.) should email Anne-Charlotte Mecklenburg to discuss a possible opportunity to present earlier.
Grad Thesis SLAM - Final Competition: April 23
Just us from 3:30-5:30 pm at the Contemplative Commons to watch PhD Candidates from across Grounds present their doctoral research in 3 minutes or less for a chance to win up to $1,000!
Contemplative Commons
403 Emmet Street S.
Charlottesville, VA 22903
2026 FINALISTS
- Anu Karippal | Anthropology
- Ariana Sabzevari | Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology
- Deepika Parthasarathy | Chemistry
- Hayley Sussman | Biomedical Engineering
- Jonathon Sewell | Cell Biology
- Katherine Nimchuk | Neuroscience
- Oriane Guiziou-Lamour | French
- Samuel Green | Classics
- Stephanie Moy | Neuroscience
Competition Guidelines
- A single PowerPoint slide is permitted, but not absolutely required.
- Electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted. If used, electronic media must not be longer than 15 seconds of the overall 3-minute limit.
- Presenter can use props. However, props should be necessary to explain research and must be approved in advance by event organizers.
- Presentations are limited to a maximum of 3 minutes - competitors exceeding 3 minutes are automatically disqualified.
- Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement, speech, or use of media or a prop.
- The decision of the judges panel is final.
Preparation Series
Students participating in Grad Thesis SLAM are strongly encouraged to participate in the Preparation Series (dates and times below). All virtual sessions will take place on Zoom.
Every speaker has their own unique style and research story. Learn how to be your best as you prepare to present your research at the 2026 Grad Thesis SLAM. You will learn, apply, and practice essential presentation skills working solo and with other students. Homework assignments and additional learning materials will help you build your three-minute talk. Even if you don’t plan to compete, we welcome you to join us to discover how to become a more confident, engaging, and compelling speaker.
TOPICS
- What is the Grad Thesis SLAM & How Do I Get Started? | Feb. 12, 12:00-1:30 pm
- Engaging Your Audience & Telling a Compelling Story | Feb. 19, 12:00-1:30 pm
- Slide Design & Presentation Skills | Feb. 26, 12:00-1:30 pm
- Practice Your Presentation & Receive Peer Feedback | Mar. 17 or Mar. 18
We're happy to provide recordings of the above training sessions to students who intend to compete in this or future competitions. Please contact Anne-Charlotte Mecklenburg with questions.
Resources for Competitors
