2025 OVC 3MT Winners Announced: Innovative Research in Three Minutes
Posted on Friday, March 28, 2025
Congratulations to all participants in the 2025 OVC Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition! This annual event challenges graduate students to distill their research into a compelling three-minute presentation for a non-specialist audience. The competition highlights innovative research and strengthens communication skills crucial for engaging with the public, policymakers, and fellow scientists—skills essential for success in the workforce after graduation. This year’s participants delivered outstanding presentations, showcasing their dedication and expertise.
Presentation title: Training Program Enhances Registered Veterinary Technicians’ Communication Confidence
Basima Rashid took home the top prize with her research on enhancing engagement among registered veterinary technicians (RVTs). With veterinary teams facing increasing pressures, her work explores strategies to support and retain RVTs in the field. By fostering long-term career satisfaction, her research aims to strengthen veterinary care and improve workplace dynamics within the profession. Her clear and passionate delivery captivated the audience and judges alike, earning her the first-place title and a $200 prize.
Presentation title: Survival Secrets of South American Fur Seal Pups
Juntian Bu’s research into the immune systems of South American fur seal pups earned him second place. His study examines how these marine mammals naturally combat deadly parasites and bacterial infections, offering potential insights into novel treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections in humans. By bridging marine biology and human medicine, his research highlights the interconnectedness of species and ecosystems. His engaging and informative presentation secured him the runner-up position and a $100 prize.
Presentation title: Fighting Fires in the Lungs: Uncovering the Role of Macrophages in Equine Asthma
Silvana Beljo received an honourable mention for her compelling research on equine asthma. Just like humans, horses suffer from this chronic respiratory disease, with immune cells called macrophages playing a key role. Her work investigates how macrophages contribute to asthma development and their potential as early diagnostic markers. By advancing equine health, her findings could also have implications for asthma prevention in people.
A Celebration of Research and Communication
This year’s OVC 3MT competition demonstrated the power of research storytelling. Each participant tackled intricate topics with clarity and enthusiasm, making their findings accessible and impactful.
The top two winners, Basima Rashid and Juntian Bu, will advance to the University of Guelph 3MT Final on April 24th, where they will compete for a chance to represent U of G at the Provincial Finals, hosted by the University of Toronto.
Congratulations once again to all participants for their hard work and dedication.
We also extend our gratitude to the judges, faculty supervisors and the entire OVC community for their invaluable support in making this competition possible.
The Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) at the University of Guelph is a world leader in advancing veterinary medicine and health research to improve the health of animals, people, and our planet. OVC educates the next generation of health leaders and provides high-value experiential learning opportunities through an interdisciplinary, comparative approach aimed at finding real-world solutions to real-world problems.