Melvin Sangalang, a graduate student in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation, was voted as the winner of the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition for the College of Applied Science and Technology.
The Three Minute Thesis Competition is a national competition that provides students three minutes and the use of one static slide to present their research. The competitors are challenged to showcase their research communication skills as their presentation must be simple, oral, and engaging, with no use of props, transitions, or other forms of media.
Sangalang’s research is focused on the career transition of graduating college athletes. In particular, the research aims at designing, implementing, and evaluating an educational program to support athletes throughout their transition out of college sports and life. This is important because college athletes are likely to face different psychological, emotional, and behavioral challenges such as loss of identity, loss of a sense of belonging, or physical changes and concerns upon graduating.
This year, five candidates presented their thesis for the CAST Three Minute Thesis Competition.
“Presenting for the 3MT competition can be nerve-wrecking,” said Sangalang. “Before the presentation, I reminded myself that I just need to tell the audience a story. This is my story. I was a student athlete before, and I went through this transition. It’s important for me to do this research so that other athletes do not go through what I went through.”
Speaking on the competition, Dr. Cara Rabe-Hemp, associate dean for the College of Applied Science and Technology, said, “Our CAST contestants demonstrated poise, professionalism, and expertise in their presentations. They were well-prepared and represented their programs wonderfully.”
The competitors for this year’s 3MT were:
- Rashmi Dangol (AGR): Pennycress performance in Some Illinois Cropping Systems.
- Jayden Lawrence (AGR): To Study Abroad or not? More of Less are they stressed?
- Randy Ackah (AGR): Perceptions of the Fresh Produce Industry on Diversification & Sustainability.
- Melvin Sangalang (KNR): Life After Sports: A Career Transition Program for Graduating Collegiate Student-Athletes.
- Marley Knowles (AGR): Pennycress Meal Utilization in Chicken Feed.
Marley Knowles, the runner up for the CAST Three Minute Thesis Competition from the Department of Agriculture, will advance with Sangalang to the University-level competition which will be held at the Normal Theater in February.
The winners of the university-level competition will compete at the Midwest Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) competition.
More information about the competition can be found at on the Three Minute Thesis website.
