On November 14, 2024, Kyndra Higgins, a doctoral candidate in the College of Engineering, was awarded the Grand Prize in the Fall 2024 UGA Three Minute Thesis Competition. 3MT® is a highly engaging international research competition which requires participants to explain their thesis or dissertation topic and its significance in three minutes or less using only a single, static presentation slide.
Kyndra’s presentation, titled “Breast Cancer: How Cells Shape Up,” received top marks from the panel of three judges and was well received by the audiences at the historic Morton Theatre and online. The Graduate School caught up with Kyndra after her win to learn more about herself, her research, and her experience with 3MT®.
Congratulations, Kyndra!
What is the focus of your research and whom does it impact?
My research focuses on studying novel breast cancer cell characteristics that are associated with metastasis. Specifically, my lab investigates a particularly aggressive subtype called triple-negative breast cancer. This type of cancer is not only more difficult to treat and has higher rates of recurrence, but it also disproportionately affects African American women. By examining cell characteristics, like shape, and behaviors, like migration, we aim to identify new parameters that could help detect when cancer is likely to metastasize.
Kyndra Higgins presenting at 3MT
How did preparing for 3MT® help you with your thesis and research?
Preparing for the 3MT® competition has challenged me in ways that presenting at conferences or writing research papers do not. To engage a wider audience, I had to distill complex ideas into clear, accessible language and frame my research in terms of its broad impact. Overall, this process has deepened my appreciation for the population of women my research could benefit, helping me connect my findings to real-world applications more meaningfully.
What was the competition like for you? How did you feel when you won?
While I was nervous about speaking in front of such a large audience, the staff at the graduate school made it such a positive experience, and I am grateful I had this opportunity to practice public speaking in such a supportive environment. It was also great to connect with other graduate students across colleges and fields of study. Everyone’s presentations were so engaging and well-delivered, and I truly felt honored to be selected as the grand prize winner.
Kyndra Higgins and Ron Walcott, Vice Provost for Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate School
How do you feel that this competition has prepared you
for the next step in your career?No matter how significant your research is, it’s vital to be able to explain it clearly to others. This competition was a valuable experience in communicating complex topics using accessible language, made even more challenging by the three-minute time limit.
Who is someone that has impacted your graduate career?
My PI, Dr. Cheryl Gomillion, has been such an amazing mentor throughout my entire graduate career. She has played a fundamental role in shaping my academic and professional journey, from encouraging me to pursue a Ph.D. in the first place to providing guidance and support every step of the way. Her belief in my potential and dedication to my success have been constant sources of motivation. I am so incredibly grateful for her mentorship and for the opportunity to work with someone who truly invests in my development as a researcher.
Dr. Cheryl Gomillion and Kyndra Higgins (photo courtesy of Kyndra Higgins)
What is next for you?
At the moment, I am focused on writing my dissertation, which is the last step in my Ph.D. journey. I am also exploring post-doctoral positions as I look forward to continuing my research and further developing my expertise in breast cancer pathology and treatment.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
One thing that people might be surprised to know about me is that I’m a first-generation student. Navigating the challenges of academia without the same familial blueprint has helped me be resourceful and adaptable. What I truly value, however, is the sense of community I’ve found with other first-gen students here at UGA. We share similar experiences, and the support system I’ve found has been an invaluable part of my academic journey.
Kyndra Higgins working in the lab (photo courtesy of Kyndra Higgins)
The Fall 2024 3MT® competition drew 64 submissions from students in 43 different departments across three of UGA’s campuses. The 3MT® annual contest was open to any currently enrolled UGA master’s or doctoral student. Ten students advanced to the finals after scoring well with a team of judges during the preliminary heats. UGA’s Three-Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition is offered annually in the Fall, and the winner can represent UGA at the regional 3MT® competition.
In addition to our Grand Prize winner, Anthony Suryamiharja, a master’s student in the Department of Food Science at UGA’s Griffin Campus, was awarded Runner-Up for his presentation titled “The Development of Protein-rich Plant-based Milk through a pH-based Approach,” and Marco Garcia, a doctoral student in the College of Engineering, was awarded the People’s Choice for his presentation titled “A Multi-model Approach to Evaluate Hybrid Coastal Features: A Resilience-based Assessment.”
Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is an academic competition developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia. Learn more about 3MT®.
