Graduate student in ISE wins regional Three Minute Thesis competition

Shivaprasad Nageswaran, a graduate student in industrial and systems management engineering, recently won the Three Minute Thesis, or 3MT, regional competition at the Conference of Southern Graduate School’s annual meeting in Tampa, Florida. Nageswaran will advance to represent Auburn at the Council of Graduate Schools’ national 3MT competition during their annual meeting this December in Washington, D.C.

Developed by the University of Queensland in Australia, the 3MT competition invites graduate students to present their research in three minutes to a general audience. They are judged by a five-member panel on several areas related to comprehension, engagement and communication.

Nageswaran’s presentation, “Investigating Seat Belt Safety in Rollover Accidents,” focused on his research to determine the optimal buckle release force needed to free oneself from a seat belt if inverted after an automobile crash. As part of his doctoral research in the occupational safety and ergonomics program in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Nageswaran examines seat belt safety in both personal vehicles as well as school buses.

He describes the 3MT competition as an experience like no other.

“The entire experience has been incredible. I was surprised to be a finalist at regionals let alone win the entire competition. It felt surreal to compete against top contenders from more than 50 graduate schools and emerge as the winner. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity, and my appreciation cannot be expressed enough,” said Nageswaran.

Competitors must follow guidelines limiting them to using a single static PowerPoint slide during their presentation. The use of electronic media or props is not permitted.

“This is a great honor for Shiva, Auburn University and our graduate programs. Shiva embodies the Auburn creed in his dedication and determination for hard work. We are proud of his accomplishments and this chance to showcase his amazing and life changing research,” said George Flowers, dean of the Graduate School and professor of mechanical engineering. “He serves as a role model for all of our graduate students in research and research communication.”

Nageswaran believes that the practice and preparation for the 3MT competition will help him in communicating his research to a wider audience, and more specifically in preparation for his doctoral dissertation defense later this semester. His confidence in public speaking has improved, as well as his communication and presentation skills, which will also serve him well in his future career.

“I want to find a job where I can make a meaningful change to improve the lives of people,” Nageswaran said.

Nageswaran hopes to find a job in the manufacturing sector where he can use a wide array of his skills, including designing and 3-D modeling, fabrication and manufacturing through to production.

Nageswaran won first place in the Auburn University 3MT competition in November 2022. Justin Harvell, a doctoral student in the Department of Chemical Engineering, won the runner-up award, while Miranda Silano, graduate student in the Department of Geosciences, was voted the People’s Choice winner.