The College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics hosted its annual Hot Topics in NSM: Three-Minute Thesis Competition, bringing together graduate students from across disciplines to share their research using just one slide and three minutes.
Hosted by Dr. Jeremy May, Associate Dean for Graduate Affairs, the competition challenged participants to distill complex scientific concepts into accessible, engaging presentations for a broad audience. Judges representing each department selected winners based on clarity, creativity, and impact, while audience members voted for the People’s Choice Award.
The 2025 winners demonstrated both innovation and the ability to communicate science with precision and purpose.
Judges’ Choice
Ryan Boyce, Department of Physics
“Fighting Cancer with Heavy Sugar”
Advised by Prof. Greg Morrison
Boyce, a Ph.D. researcher in the Department of Physics who also trains at MD Anderson Cancer Center, develops new methods for metabolic MRI imaging to help clinicians make more informed treatment decisions for cancer patients. His goal is to translate advanced imaging physics into practical tools for improving diagnosis and therapy.
For Boyce, participating in the competition was about bridging the gap between complex science and human connection.
“The 3MT challenge is especially useful for us mathematicians and scientists because it reminds us who we’re really serving,” Boyce said. “Nana, my grandmother, understands almost none of what I do on a day-to-day basis, but I strive to make a positive impact in her life and in the lives of our communities.”
Condensing his research into a three-minute talk required both strategy and empathy.
“While writing my script, I constantly thought about how to communicate what I’m working toward in a way that Nana could connect with and get excited about,” he said. “Even though cancer is a heavy topic, I tried to keep my presentation optimistic and even funny in places to make it engaging and approachable.”
Boyce hopes audiences left with a renewed appreciation for the slow, steady progress of scientific research.
“Progress in science is slow and hard-won,” he said. “But I hope my presentation helps people get excited about the many ways we’re using science to make the world better.”
He credited his advisors, Drs. Bankson and Morrison, and his grandparents for their mentorship, encouragement, and example of resilience.
People’s Choice
Anuththara Yoshini, Department of Chemistry
“Drugging the Undruggable: KRAS Inhibitors for Pancreatic Cancer Therapy”
Advised by Prof. Scott R. Gilbertson
Yoshini, a third-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Chemistry, specializes in small drug molecule and total synthesis. Her research focuses on developing novel allosteric KRAS inhibitors to treat pancreatic, colon, and lung cancers—diseases often resistant to traditional therapies.
Her motivation to enter the competition came from seeing firsthand how effective science communication can inspire others.
“When one of my colleagues won a previous 3-Minute Thesis competition, I was deeply impressed by how they conveyed complex ideas with such clarity and engagement,” Yoshini said. “As scientists, we often spend years buried in data and details, but science doesn’t have to be complicated. It should be something everyone can understand and feel inspired by.”
To prepare, Yoshini attended a scientific communication workshop organized by the NSM Student Advisory Board, refining how she could explain her research in everyday language.
“I broke my talk into three simple questions: What am I working on? Why does it matter? And how did I approach it?” she said. “Effective science communication reaches beyond facts—it creates genuine understanding and connection.”
Yoshini hopes audiences walked away with a sense of optimism about advances in cancer research.
“Pancreatic cancer is incredibly aggressive and often goes undetected until it’s too late,” she said. “I wanted people to understand the seriousness of it, but also the hope that science brings. Working in this field feels like being part of something bigger—a collective effort to redefine what’s possible in cancer therapy.”
Yoshini expressed gratitude to Dr. Gilbertson, her collaborators at the University of Texas Health Science Center, and her husband for their steadfast support.
“Winning reaffirmed my passion for science and the importance of sharing it with others,” she said. “While research advances discovery, communication fosters understanding and connection.”
In addition to showcasing remarkable student research, the competition emphasized the value of clarity in scientific communication.
“Being able to convey complex ideas clearly is a critical skill for all scientists, since we need to continually extoll the benefits of fundamental research to our supporting public,” said Dr. May. “Our students continue to impress us with their ability to make profound new discoveries and then to connect those discoveries to the real-world impact for all of humanity.”
Attendees enjoyed pizza, networking, and the opportunity to learn about groundbreaking research happening across NSM’s six departments. Winners received $100 Amazon gift cards in recognition of their achievement.
The Hot Topics in NSM competition continues to highlight the innovative spirit and collaborative energy that defines the University of Houston’s College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.