Graduate Research Fair

What is the 3-Minute Pitch Competition, and why should students participate?

• The 3-Minute Pitch Competition is an opportunity that challenges undergraduate students to present their complex work in just three minutes.
• Through this competition, students develop skills that are essential inside and outside of academia, including the ability to distill their complex work into a clear, engaging, and accessible presentation for a general audience.
• There are student prizes, too! Details are still being worked out, but we anticipate $100-$400 for up to 3 winners in each category. The amount and number depends on the number of contestants and the availability of funding.

IMPORTANT RULES:

• Time Limit: 3 minutes maximum. Exceeding 3 minutes results in disqualification. Some serious preparation and practice are required.
• Slide: Only one slide, static (no animation), is permitted.
• Props & Media: No props (costumes, lab equipment) or electronic media (sound/video) are allowed.
• Commencement: The presentation starts when the speaker starts speaking.
• Eligibility: This year, students may present work from their thesis, final project, capstone work, individual projects, individual contributions to larger projects, or department specific work done by the individual.
• Format: Presentations must be spoken word. poems, raps, or songs are NOT allowed.

NOTE: Typical class assignments that all students complete in a given class are not eligible unless this work is part of an independent project/special project class. 

NOTE:  In the future, this competition may be limited to senior undergraduate students.

Questions?  email Dr. Gehan Senthinathan: senthig@buffalostate.edu

General Judging Criteria:

• Comprehension and Content: A clear, concise, and accurate representation of the work.
• Engagement and Communication: The ability to engage the audience and convey the rationale and importance of the work.