2025 OVC 3MT Winners Announced: Innovative Research in Three Minutes

Congratulations to all participants in the 2025 OVC Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition! This annual event challenges graduate students to distill their research into a compelling three-minute presentation for a non-specialist audience. The competition highlights innovative research and strengthens communication skills crucial for engaging with the public, policymakers, and fellow scientists—skills essential for success in the workforce after graduation. This year’s participants delivered outstanding presentations, showcasing their dedication and expertise.

First Place: Basima Rishad

Program name: PhD in Population Medicine  

Supervisor: Dr. Jason Coe  

Presentation title: Training Program Enhances Registered Veterinary Technicians’ Communication Confidence

Basima Rishad took home the top prize with her research on enhancing engagement among registered veterinary technicians (RVTs). With veterinary teams facing increasing pressures, her work explores strategies to support and retain RVTs in the field. By fostering long-term career satisfaction, her research aims to strengthen veterinary care and improve workplace dynamics within the profession. Her clear and passionate delivery captivated the audience and judges alike, earning her the first-place title and a $200 prize.

Second Place: Juntian Bu

Program name: MBS in Biomedical Sciences

Supervisor: Dr. Mauricio Seguel

Presentation title: Survival Secrets of South American Fur Seal Pups

Juntian Bu’s research into the immune systems of South American fur seal pups earned him second place. His study examines how these marine mammals naturally combat deadly parasites and bacterial infections, offering potential insights into novel treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections in humans. By bridging marine biology and human medicine, his research highlights the interconnectedness of species and ecosystems. His engaging and informative presentation secured him the runner-up position and a $100 prize.

Honourable Mention: Silvana Beljo

Program name: PhD in Pathobiology 

Supervisor: Dr. Janet Beeler-Marfisi

Presentation title: Fighting Fires in the Lungs: Uncovering the Role of Macrophages in Equine Asthma

Silvana Beljo received an honourable mention for her compelling research on equine asthma. Just like humans, horses suffer from this chronic respiratory disease, with immune cells called macrophages playing a key role. Her work investigates how macrophages contribute to asthma development and their potential as early diagnostic markers. By advancing equine health, her findings could also have implications for asthma prevention in people. 

A Celebration of Research and Communication

This year’s OVC 3MT competition demonstrated the power of research storytelling. Each participant tackled intricate topics with clarity and enthusiasm, making their findings accessible and impactful.

The top two winners, Basima Rishad and Juntian Bu, will advance to the University of Guelph 3MT Final on April 24th, where they will compete for a chance to represent U of G at the Provincial Finals, hosted by the University of Toronto.

Congratulations once again to all participants for their hard work and dedication. 

We also extend our gratitude to the judges, faculty supervisors and the entire OVC community for their invaluable support in making this competition possible.