Psychology PhD student to represent Laurier at provincial Three Minute Thesis competition

Wilfrid Laurier University master’s and doctoral students from eight disciplines presented on topics ranging from the experiences of autistic youth and 2SLGBTQ+ communities to virtual influencers and drinking water distribution systems during the Three Minute Thesis competition at the university’s Waterloo campus on March 24.

Each competitor was challenged to present their research, thesis, major research project, or dissertation in three minutes or less to a crowd of fellow students, faculty members, staff, community members and alumni. They were allowed one slide, but no props.

A panel of esteemed judges evaluated participants on communication, engagement and comprehension. The judging panel consisted of Barrington Walker, associate vice-president, equity, diversity, and inclusion at Laurier; Jan Basso, assistant vice-president of experiential learning at Laurier; and Laura Mae Lindo, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener Centre.

Esther Li, a developmental psychology PhD student, won the Three Minute Thesis competition with her presentation, “First-language loss and maintenance in youth and adolescents with immigrant backgrounds.” Li’s research has shown that the loss of first-language proficiencies have negative consequences for humans, including a loss of cultural and ethnic identity. Her research examines factors such as acculturation and enculturation that may be related to first-language loss and maintenance.  

Li will move on to represent Laurier at the provincial Three Minute Thesis competition, being held at Queen’s University May 17.

“Words can’t explain how grateful and ecstatic I was when I heard that I won,” said Li. “I’m super excited to go to the provincial competition at Queen’s.”

Li’s supervisor, Alexandra Gottardo, said the win was well deserved.

"I am very excited that Esther won and am proud of her work on this research,” said Gottardo.

Laura Rodriguez Reyes, who is pursuing a master’s degree in geography, was the runner-up with her presentation, “Envision an Indigenous-led enterprise in Kakisa, Northwest Territories.” Sakshi Korde, a marketing management PhD student, earned an honourable mention for their talk, “Envy in the virtual world: How consumer emotions drive engagement with virtual influencers.”

“A very big thank you to all students who participated in this year’s competition – regardless of their results,” said Brent Wolfe, acting associate vice-president and dean of Laurier’s Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. “Our graduate students contribute tremendously to propelling Laurier’s research portfolio forward. Their dedication and enthusiasm for cutting-edge research is remarkable.”

This year’s Three Minute Thesis competition was the first since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Student presentations will be available to view on YouTube in the coming weeks.