Griffith Criminology Institute doctoral student Moses Amagnya took out first place in the Arts, Education and Law (AEL) heat of the annual Three Minute Thesis Competition held at Griffith’s South Bank campus yesterday.
Moses was one of three finalists out of the eleven contestants who will now represent AEL at the university-wide final to be held 13 September.
He was awarded first place in the Higher Degree Research category and the $500 prize with his presentation on corruption in a criminal justice system of a developing democracy, focusing on Ghanaian criminal justice officials.
Second place was awarded to the Queensland Conservatorium Research Centre’s Rachel Howley, who received $250. Rachel’s research revolves around the lack of representation of female composers in school music classes.
Griffith Criminology Institute boasted another winner with Gina Masterson taking out third place with her thesis aiming for law reform to assist mothers fleeing domestic violence with their children.
The Masters/Honours category was dominated by the Griffith Law School with Stebin Sam and Maddison King taking out first and second place respectively.
Stebin’s research hopes to understand how digital technology can increase access to justice for individuals of lower socio-economic status, whereas Maddison’s focus is on how international criminal law can bring justice to the Iranian people reigned by the Ayatollah.
A people’s choice award was also issued with Education and Professional Studies student Monica Yadeun de Antunano named the winner of the $100 prize.
Her research aims to empower environmental educators to change the world through adopting Indigenous behaviours.
Gerry Docherty, AEL Dean (Research) said the standard of competition was impressive.
“The Three Minute Thesis competition highlights the very high quality of the research being conducted within AEL at doctoral, master and honours levels, and also the breadth of areas where AELstudents and their staff supervisors are having a positive impact on society locally and globally.” He said.
This year’s judges were QAGOMA International Contemporary Art Associate Curator Ellie Buttrose, Commissioner of Queensland Corrective Services Peter Martin APM and Norton Rose Fulbright senior consultant Greg Vickery AO.
Winners of the Griffith final will then go on to compete at the state finals later in the year.
The Three Minute Thesis Competition requires each contestant explain their research in an engaging way to a non-specialist audience within a three minute timeframe, and aims to develop students’ presentation and communication skills.
