3 Minute Thesis - 2023 finalists

As Australia refocuses on space, it must identify and address the possible threats of this singular environment. My research provides a policy and legal analysis of the current threats on the Australian space infrastructure, focussing on the cyber domain. PhD candidates due to conducting multilayered research and having to deal with an incredible amount of data, often are unable to summarize their PhD topic.

The 3MT allows me to formulate a quick and direct answer to the most common and feared question ‘What’s your PhD on?’, providing an answer that finally satisfies both me and my parents, grandparents, neighbours, and people who pop the question but don’t hugely care for a meticulous answer.   

My name is Cassandra Haines and I am an optometrist with a focus on paediatric vision. My PhD is looking at the best program for screening children's vision at school in South Australia, and how we can address the barriers for families to get children the glasses they need.

Participating in the 3MT helped me clarify the objectives of my PhD, and focus on the clear messaging. When talking to others inside the vision world, the fine details come out quickly and you can get bogged down in specifics. Having to step back and think about the big picture, and explain results without any technical jargon, will help me not only discuss research with other academics but the wider community. 

My presentation for the 3MT focuses on the economic reintegration of return migrants, specifically on temporary labour migration programs in Timor-Leste. The study takes a comprehensive approach to reintegration, considering dimensions such as economics, social dynamics, culture, and structure. While economic reintegration isn't the sole focus, it is among the initial variables for preliminary findings in this concise presentation.

This research is essential due to the often-overlooked reintegration phase for Timorese labour migrants. Typically, more attention is given to their departure and remittances sent home. I firmly believe in prioritising the well-being of labour migrants, not just during their overseas employment but also upon their return, ensuring a successful transition to their home country. This 3MT presentation offers an opportunity to confidently communicate my research to a non-specialist audience and enhance my public speaking skills.  

My name is Priyadharshany Sandanapitchai, a second year PhD candidate. My research focuses on evaluating a new guided self-help cognitive processing therapy (CPT-GSH) program to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. Cognitive processing therapy is a first line treatment for PTSD.

This type of guided self-help intervention could help more people gain timely and cost-effective access to an evidence-based trauma treatment according to their individual level of need using a stepped-care model. My study will be the first to investigate the effectiveness of stepped-care CPT-GSH as well as the practical factors behind providing this form of treatment.

As someone keen on sharing my subject matter insights, I thought 3MT would be a good opportunity to share my research across a wider audience. In this process, I learnt the important skill of how to translate the significance of my research in a succinct and non-technical manner that is understood by a multi-disciplinary audience. 

My name is Maddi and I’m currently completing the second year of my PhD. My research is focused on identifying ways to improve the clinical care experiences of younger adults who have been diagnosed with bowel cancer. I’m particularly passionate about learning ways to support the psychosocial needs and mental wellbeing of people affected by cancer.

Taking part in the 3MT has provided me a great opportunity to continue developing my presentation skills, particularly in building my confidence in presenting without relying on PowerPoint slides. It has also allowed me to practice the important skill of communicating my research in an engaging manner to a wide variety of people. More importantly, it’s a fantastic platform for me to raise awareness about the many young people who have experienced bowel cancer. 

My name is Ying Yu. I am a Registered nurse and a nursing lecturer at the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. I am in my third year of PhD study. My research is focusing on dementia care and the evaluation of the effectiveness of the iSupport carer support model in the community. I entered 3MT to practice my communication skills and want to further disseminate my research. This journey has been so rewarding, especially the opportunity of learning and sharing with other HDR students. This 3MT has helped me generate lots of interest in my project. I would encourage all future students to participate in 3MT because the journey is a lot more fun than I thought.