The 2023 Columbia University 3MT Competition

March 7, 2023

The 2023 Columbia University 3MT Competition was held on Friday, February 10 in Low Library. In three minutes, using only one slide and no notes, PhD students from across the University presented their dissertation research to live and virtual audiences of students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and family.

Panagiota Apostolou, a PhD student in Cellular Physiology & Biophysics, was among the thirteen finalists, and presented on her dissertation research “Unveiling the molecular and cellular mechanisms of cortical dysfunction in a Setd1a-deficient mouse model of schizophrenia risk.”

Carol Troy, Professor of Pathology & Cell Biology and Neurology at CUIMC, served as a Judge at the competition. "It was a pleasure to serve as a Judge for this unique event that showcases the wide range of high caliber thesis work being carried out at Columbia. It is no easy task to present the key aspects of your thesis work in 3 minutes with only one slide. The students conveyed their passion for their studies extremely well," she said about her experience as Judge during the competition.

The research topics ranged from sociocultural determinants of health to political activism in social media. The competition was co-hosted by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the Coordinated Doctoral Programs in Biomedical Sciences. Congratulations to all finalists and winners!