Congratulations to all who took part in the 5th annual GSAS Threesis Academic Challenge. Following a very competitive qualifying round, in which nearly 70 participants sought the coveted title of Threesis finalist, the 2015 GSAS Threesis Academic Challenge finals on Saturday, April 12, both enlightened and entertained. Twelve competitors took to the stage in the Eisner & Lubin Auditorium in the Kimmel Center for University Life to present their research and compete for the title of 2015 Threesis Champion. The MCAA took great pride in witnessing the intellectual creativity and academic rigor of our graduate student counterparts. After the competition, the Quarterly took a moment to ask a few of the finalists about their experience and advice for students considering competing in 2016.
What was going through your mind when it was your turn to present on stage?
Please don’t trip and fall, please don’t trip and fall . . . Phew!
— Vincent M. Luo, MS, Biology ’16
2015 Threesis Audience Choice Winner
Remember to breathe, have fun, and enjoy!
— Elizabeth Bennett, MA, International Relations ’15
OH MY GOD!
— Jen Heewon Park, MA, Psychology ’16
I couldn’t really think of anything. I took a deep breath and just started my speech when I heard ‘go.’ I was looking for my friends in the crowd and wanted to focus on them—they were my motivation!
— Louise Iremedio, MA, Museum Studies ’15
How did you feel after you presented? What piece of advice would you offer future competitors?
Threesis is a fun learning experience, and it’s not the end of the world if you don’t make it to the final round. Allow for some improvisation when you go on stage, so that you don’t panic if you forget one word in your script.
— Anna Reumert, MA Near Eastern Studies, ’15
2015 Threesis Third Place Winner
My advice for those considering Threesis would be to just go for it! People say the only way to grow is by stepping out of your comfort zone—so if doing Threesis scares you or makes you nervous, then you should absolutely do it! Whether or not you win doesn’t matter—it will teach you that you can overcome your fears and insecurities.
— Kirtan Kaur, MS Environmental Health Sciences, ’15
2015 Threesis Second Place Winner
I would advise future competitors not to put too much pressure on themselves to perform. It’s honestly a lot of fun!
— Veronica M. Glab, MA Politics, ’15
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