Katherine Manz, CEE doctoral student studying water quality related to fracking, is this year’s winner of the departmental Three Minute Thesis competition. Manz’s presentation entitled “The Impact of Chemical Additives on Water Quality in Hydraulic Fracturing” was selected out of 13 contestants.
“My research investigates the transformation of shale particles and chemical additives during hydraulic fracturing,” said Manz. “The most challenging part in preparing for 3MT was figuring out how I could make that relatable to a general audience and conveying the most important messages of my research.”
As the department’s winner, she will now advance to the university level round of the 3MT competition, which will take place on April 6.
3MT is a competition in which students describe the importance and results of their PhD dissertation in 3 minutes using a single PowerPoint slide. The competition is originated at the University of Queensland and has spread to campuses all over the world.
“I think the 3MT is a wonderful opportunity for students to tell others about their research and to learn about the research taking place in both the department and around campus,” said CEE Assistant Professor Kim Carter, who serves as Manz’s advisor.