Trinity Western University seeks to provide students with greater opportunities to engage in research within their fields of study, to communicate the significance of their work to others, and to celebrate their scholarly accomplishments as a learning community.
Organized by the Office of Graduate Studies, the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition is an annual event that invites graduate students to share their research discoveries and build confidence in communication and public speaking.
3MT showcases researchers' talent and passion
With just three minutes and a single PowerPoint slide—no props or media allowed—graduate students at Trinity Western University took on the challenge of presenting their research with clarity, passion, and impact during the 2025 3MT competition.
This year’s event, held on March 5, drew seven presenters from across TWU's graduate programs in Counselling Psychology, Nursing, and Biblical Studies and Christian Thought. For over 10 years, the 3MT competition at TWU has provided students an opportunity to sharpen their communication skills, articulate the significance of their research to a non-specialist audience, and engage the wider university community.
Students take up the challenge
The event began with a keynote address from Dr. Sheryl Reimer-Kirkham, professor and dean of the School of Nursing, whose talk, “Celebrating Inquiry,” inspired researchers and audience members alike with the spirit of thoughtful inquiry. The event also featured a cello performance by Hannah Schweitzer, a student in the School of the Arts, Media + Culture, providing artistic engagement.
This year’s judging panel included Dr. Kelly Arbeau, Rev. Dr. Ed Gerber, and Dr. Jennifer Adkins. Judges evaluated presentations based on three key criteria: comprehension, engagement, and communication—challenging presenters to deliver concise, accessible, and compelling summaries of their graduate work.
Celebrating research excellence
Following a dynamic series of presentations, the judges named Dane James (MA Counselling Psychology) as Runner-up and Jenessa Glanz (MA Counselling Psychology) as the 2025 TWU 3MT Winner. Glanz advanced to represent TWU at the Western Regional 3MT competition, hosted on May 6 at the University of Victoria.
TWU congratulates all participants for their outstanding work and commitment to impactful scholarship.
The following are the 2025 TWU 3MT presenters:
Katie Freiheit | Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology
Exploring Older Adults’ Experiences of Intentional Childfreedom
Jenessa Glanz | Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology
Goosebumps are Good for Us
Dane James | Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology
How First-Time Fathers Make Meaning of Spousal Support
Anna Douglas | Master of Science in Nursing
The Influence of Instructors on Nursing Student Anxiety
Abigail Broadhurst | Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology
Helping Developing Helpers: Recognizing and Supporting Adolescents with Vicarious Trauma
Nathanael Siaoman | Masters of Arts in Counselling Psychology
Using Hope in Career to Reduce Substance Use Relapses
Netanya Castillo | Masters of Arts in Biblical Studies and Christian Thought
Developing a Holistic Theology of Suffering: Karl Barth, Judaism, and Modern Mental Health
About TWU's School of Graduate Studies
At TWU, you will not only receive a top-quality education as a graduate student, but you will also become a part of a community that is dedicated to using their education and skills to make a positive impact on the world through their Christian beliefs and values. Learn more at TWU's School of Graduate Studies.
About Trinity Western University
Founded in 1962, Trinity Western University is a global Christian liberal arts university. We are dedicated to equipping students to discover meaningful connections between career, life, and the needs of the world. Drawing upon the riches of the Christian tradition, seeking to unite faith and reason through teaching and scholarship, Trinity Western University is a degree-granting research institution offering liberal arts and sciences as well as professional schools in business, nursing, education, human kinetics, graduate studies, and arts, media, and culture. It has campuses in Canada in Langley, Richmond, and Ottawa. Learn more at www.twu.ca or follow us on Instagram @trinitywestern, Twitter @TrinityWestern, on Facebook and LinkedIn. For media inquiries, please contact: media@twu.ca.