Events & Programs

The 3MT Competition is an opportunity for Lehigh graduate students to showcase and promote their research, publicly acknowledge themselves as researchers, and add an impressive line to their curriculum vitae. Not only does this competition benefit graduate students, but it also benefits the University because our students gain competence and confidence in talking about their research in a way that is accessible to a non-expert audience, which is ever more important to spread knowledge about the importance of the work we do in higher ed. 

Additionally, our winner has the chance to apply to participate in the regional 3MT competition facilitated by the Northeastern Association of Graduate Schools, which is typically held in April.

Not to mention, there are monetary prizes for first, second, third place, and People's Choice winners. Exact prize amounts will be advertised in this year's promotional materials. 
 

Any Lehigh University graduate student working on an academic research project who wants to practice their presentation skills and ability to succinctly and clearly explain their work to an interested, educated, non-expert audience. 

Nope. For our competition, we welcome any Lehigh graduate student at any graduate level.

Fall 2025 
Wednesday, October 15th, 2025, 11a-12p - Information Session (in-person)
Wednesday, October 15th, 2025, 5:30p-6:30p - Information Session (virtual)
Wednesday, October 15th, 2025, 12p through Wednesday, November 12th, 2025, 5p - Registration Period
Thursday, November 13th, 2025, 5p - 6:30p - Kick-Off Meeting (in-person)
Week of December 1st, 2026 - First Required Check-In (virtual)
 

Spring 2026
Friday, January 9th, 2026 - Big Interview session due
Week of January 12th, 2026 -  Final Required Check-In (virtual)
Thursday, January 29th, 2026, 5p-7p - Practice Run (in person)
Thursday, February 5th, 2026, 5p-7p - Competition Day (in person)

Yep. There are a few opportunities for practice and feedback. You will have multiple check-in points with Yvonne throughout the process.

You can also

• Schedule a writing consultation with Yvonne,
• Schedule a coaching appointment with Ali Erk in the CCPD,
  
   

Competitors will be judged on two broad categories:

Comprehension & Content

• Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background and significance to the research question being addressed while explaining terminology and avoiding jargon?
• Did the presentation clearly describe the impact and/or results of the research, including conclusions and outcomes?
• Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
• Was the thesis topic, research significance, results/impact and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
• Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation - or did they elaborate for too long on one aspect or was the presentation rushed?
   

Engagement & Communication

• Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
• Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or generalize their research?
• Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?
• Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience’s attention?
• Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact and vocal range; maintain a steady pace, and have a confident stance?
• Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation - was it clear, legible, and concise?

In order to compete, you must register during the registration period named in the Dates to Remember question above. To register you will need to provide

• Name
• LIN
• Department
• Name of Faculty Advisor / Sponsoring Professor’s Name
• Your Mobile Phone Number
• Research Topic
• Draft 3MT Title
• 100 word Summary of Presentation
   

You can reach out to Yvonne Lee via email at yrl219@lehigh.edu or phone at 610-758-2726.