Sienna van Rossum has created history becoming Griffith University’s inaugural winner of the prestigious Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Asia Pacific Final.
A PhD candidate from Arts, Education law (AEL) specialising in arts research at the Queensland College of Art and Design, she had already become the first Griffith representative to reach the final.
Now, she stands alone as the University’s first overall winner of the event which takes in eight finalists from universities across Australia and the pacific region.
During the online final, Ms van Rossum watched her fellow candidates deliver their presentations with poise and passion, each one showcasing innovative research that was both impressive and inspiring.
“I was definitely humbled,” she reflected.
“The calibre of PhD research happening around the region was great to see.”
As the last speaker of the night, Ms van Rossum felt she was in with a shot.
After weeks of preparing, revising, and perfecting her speech, she had opted not to change anything at the last minute and her pre-recorded presentation wowed the judges.
Her unique perspective on how we should fully absorb what we see, stood out in a sea of scientific presentation – a fact that resonated with the panel.
“They did say it was unusual for an art student to win,” she noted.
“Honestly, I was in shock. I can’t remember much of what the judges said at that moment, but I know it was lovely.”
Her victory was a testament not only to her hard work but also to the diversity of research at Griffith.
Competing against candidates from esteemed institutions such as the University of Sydney, the National University of Singapore, and the University of Auckland, Ms van Rossum had carved her niche.
“It felt wonderful to be in that room with all these fantastic minds,” she said.
“I felt assured of the significance of my creative research.”
Beyond the honor of winning, Ms van Rossum was awarded a $5,000 research grant, which she was already planning to use for a research tour in Europe.
“I would love to see some Vermeer paintings in person,” she said.
“The physical object is very important to my research and seeing them up close would be invaluable.”
Reflecting on her journey, Ms van Rossum emphasised the transformative impact of participating in the 3MT competition.
“It clarified the crux of my research and why I’m doing what I’m doing,” she said.
“Before 3MT, it was a bit wishy-washy, but now it’s crystal clear.
“I’d encourage any PhD candidate to do it – It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.”
As Sienna continues to work on her dissertation and nearing the finish line of her PhD journey, she remains grateful for the support of her supervisors, Dr Charri Larsson and Dr Natalya Hughes who celebrated her win.
“They were both over the moon,” she smiled, recalling how one of her supervisors watched the live stream from a plane, ecstatic when her victory was announced.”
Professor Rebecca Ford, Dean of Griffith Graduate Research School, said the result showed the strength of Griffith’s HDR candidature.
“We are so proud of Sienna and sincerely congratulate her and her amazing supervisors on this powerful win for Griffith,” she said.
“In just three minutes, she skilfully and convincingly raised our awareness on the importance of the art of looking”.
Defying convention and history, Ms van Rossum’s victory strengthens her belief that creativity has a powerful place in academia.
