Arts, Education and Law (AEL) contestants in the Three Minute Thesis Competition have gone head-to-head in the Group round, with three out of ten contestants now progressing through to the Griffith final to be held in early September.
AEL students have performed strongly at the University level round, having won the university competition for the past 3 years in a row.
Queensland Conservatorium doctoral candidate, Julia Nilon took out first place in the AEL heat and the $350 prize, with her presentation on the role musical theatre repertoire plays in child vocal and singing development.
Second place was a draw between Queensland College of Art doctoral candidate Rae Cooper, who presented on whether Protest Design is an effective mechanism of democratic influence, and Queensland Conservatorium doctoral candidate Nathaniel Smorti, who shared his research into clarinet interpretation.
Both second place winners received a $250 prize.
Queensland Conservatorium Honours candidate Elliott Plumpton also competed, taking out the Honours category and $250 prize.
His research is looking at how violinists can maximise their technical development through mental practice, and is ‘functionally equivalent’ mental practice more effective than physical practice alone.
During the Three Minute Thesis Competition, each contestant explains the impact of their research in a way that is interesting and engaging to a non-specialist audience, and aims to develop their presentation and research communication skills.
This year’s judging panel included Multhana Property Services Chief Financial Officer and Director Robert Barton, Arts Centre Gold Coast CEO and Director Criena Gehrke and QMusic Program Manager Trina Massey.
The winner of the Griffith final will represent the University at the Asia-Pacific competition, hosted by the University of Queensland at the end of September.
