By C.E. Huffman 

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 3, 2024) — University of Kentuck graduate student Jovita Daraezinwa traveled to Greenville,  S.C., to represent UK at the regional 3-Minute Thesis competition at the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools.

“Intrigued by the opportunity to showcase my research in a new format and build upon my existing public speaking skills, I eagerly embraced the challenge,” said Daraezinwa, who is a doctoral student in the UK Department of Chemistry.

The competition designed for graduate students to condense their research into a concise and engaging three-minute presentation for a non-specialist audience aided by one static slide.

“Jovita's success in presenting the 3-Minute Thesis can be attributed to her exceptional oratory skills, evident from her first presentation in our lab group meeting,” said Samuel Awuah, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Daraezinwa tested her skills through UK GradResearch Live (3MT) in fall 2021 and 2022. She didn’t make it through the first round either time. But Daraezinwa’s determination would not let her give up.

“Over the years, her skills have improved as she continues to grow as a scientist,” Awuah said. “Noteworthy is her tenacity in pursuing opportunities like 3MT, challenging herself to keep growing and honing her presentation abilities.”

In fall 2023, after some hesitation, Daraezinwa tried again. Support from friends and family gave Daraezinwa the encouragement she needed. She was also able to practice with her Toastmasters group.

“This time it was different, I practiced my speech severally with different groups of non-specialist audiences starting from my graduate writing group, friends and Dr. Patti Meyer, who became my 3MT coach all the way to regionals,” said Daraezinwa.

Fifty-five universities were represented at the regional tournament. The preliminary rounds were in four separate heat groups of about 14 students, all 3MT winners at their universities. Daraezinwa earned first place in her heat group and made it to the top 13 finalists.

“The ability to frame one’s research into an engaging story, understandable and memorable to a public audience, is a critical skill across doctoral careers,” said Morris Grubbs, assistant dean at the Graduate School, which sponsors the 3MT competition. “I watched in awe at the regional competition as Jovita held the audience of about 300 people in her hands.”

Daraezinwa plans to focus on completing her doctoral studies in medicinal chemistry and cancer research in the College of Arts and Science.

“Inspired by my positive experience with science communication during 3MT, I am considering a career path that merges my scientific expertise with my passion for public speaking,” Daraezinwa said.

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.