The Herb Innovation Center

WHO?

This special event is for currently enrolled Judith Herb College of Education (JHCOE) undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree or certificate.

Spring 2025: Competition Announcement

• Event: Graduate 3-Minute and Undergraduate 5-Minute Competition
• Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025
• Time: 5:30 To 7 pm 
• Location:  Memorial Field House, Room 2100
• Submission Deadline: Wednesday, March 19, 11:59 PM

For more details and to register, please visit the Registration tab.

WHAT?

All you need is to prepare and present 1 PowerPoint slide to a non-specialist audience.

Option 1 – Early track: Present a research project idea (i.e., no human subjects, no data, results or conclusions yet).

Option 2 – Late track: Present research with results and conclusions (IRB approval needed for human subjects involved studies).

Create two slides for your presentation: a title slide (your name, title, education program and level, and track), and presentation slide (the one page of text/images that will be shown behind you as you present). See the Q&A tab for more details on the slides and their requirements.

Curious about what it takes to win? Check out YouTube for videos of previous winners from THInC's 3M/5M Research Competition.

• • undergraduate 5M example late-track
  • undergraduate 5M example early-track 1
  • undergraduate 5M example early-track 2
  • graduate 3M example late-track 1
  • graduate 3M example late-track 2
  • graduate 3M example early-track 1
  • graduate 3M example early-track 2

WHY?

You compete only against others in your competition and track, for the following monetary prizes:

• In-Person: Attend and compete live at Memorial House.
• Virtual: Participants who work or live 30+ miles away and are unable to attend in person may submit virtually. Virtual competitors will participate in a separate competition and will not compete against in-person participants.

*Early Track: In-Person / Virtual

• First: $175 / $100
• Second: $75 / $50
• Honorable mention: $50 / NA
• People’s choice award: $75

*Late track:​ In-Person / Virtual

• First: $300 / $150
• Second: $175 / $100
• Honorable mention: $100 / NA​
• People’s choice award: $175 

Graduate students in JHCOE wishing to compete in the University of Toledo's 3MT must compete in our in-person late-track competition and place, in order to move on to the university wide 3MT. THInC's 3M Research Competition is considered preliminary-rounds for all JHCOE graduate students wishing to compete in the University of Toledo's 3MT.

*Per Title IV, all awards will be posted to UToledo Student accounts. The awards pay out like a scholarship. Therefore, a limited amount of money from the award may be paid out if financial aid is maxed out. This process can take anywhere between 2-8 weeks.

In addition to the monetary prizes, this is a unique opportunity to enrich your college experience and maximize its benefits. By participating in this event, you can:

• Explore your interests beyond course requirements.
• Boost your resume.
• Receive informal mentoring from faculty without having to register for a course.
• Practice your presentation skills in a friendly supportive environment and be more successful in your classes.
• Test your ideas without a fear of failing and get feedback.
• Discover your interest to get involved in research.
• Boost your confidence and creativity.
• Connect with faculty and peers outside of courses.
• Discover new career opportunities that you might not have thought about.
• Be more prepared for a thesis or dissertation work.
• Win one or more awards and enjoy a financial benefit of up to $475 for just a 3-minute presentation (graduate students who earn first place and people's choice award) or up to $250 for just a 5-minute presentation (undergraduate students who earn first place and people's choice award).

HOW?

Follow these simple steps:

• Click on the Pre-Registration tab to let us know you are interested for Spring 2025.
  • Attend prep-sessions to learn about the rules and requirements, and help prepare for your presentation.
  • Use up to 5 weeks to prepare for the competition:
  • Schedule practice sessions.
  • Connect with faculty mentors.
  • Prepare your PowerPoint slide.
• Click on the Registration tab above to register for the competition and submit your PowerPoint slide.
• Present your idea or results on the designated competition date.

WHEN?

Spring 2025: Graduate 3M and Undergraduate 5M   Submissions due by Wednesday, March 19 by 11:59pm (go to Registration tab)

Spring 2025 3M/5M Research Competition will be Thursday, March 27, 2025 in Memorial Field House Room 2100.

Register for the 3M/5M 

REGISTRATION FORM --  Click on the link and register for the Spring 25 competition - Graduate 3M and Undergraduate 5M

• Submission Deadline: Wednesday, March 19, 11:59 PM

Registration Form - REGISTER HERE

Submissions are due by Wednesday, March 19 by 11:59pm

Spring 2025 3M/5M will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM in Memorial Field House, Room 2100.

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What do you need to register?

• Your student information
• Your completed PowerPoint two slides (see the Q&A tab for detailed instructions)

Once you submit, you can not change your slides, so make sure it's finalized before uploading! 

Spring 2025 3M/5M Research Competition will be Thursday, March 27, 2025 in Memorial Field House Room 2100.

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Any and all are welcome to attend and watch as an audience member!

Audience Member Registration Form (for non-participants) - If you plan to attend the 3M/5M competition but are not participating, please register as this will help us plan food for the event. We highly encourage audience members to register by 24th March,2025.

 

Prep-Session for the 3M/5M

Pre-Session Sign-up Form Form -- Sign up to pre-register: reserve your spot, get into prep-sessions, or sign up for one-on-one help with THInC staff.

Prep- Session Sign-Up

*If you pre-register for prep session right away, then you will have over 6 weeks to prepare!

We highly encourage undergraduate students to participate in Spring 2025 prep-sessions to help prepare competition!

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What is prep-session?

Prep-session allows you to reserve your slot in the competition, but also allows you to sign up for up to 6 different preparation sessions where we will go over everything from idea conception, to refinement, creating your presentation, practicing, and more. 

After signing up what you can expect:

• • Save your spot in the competition!
  • Sign up for prep sessions
  • Learn what this competition is all about
  • Request one-on-one tutoring: great for people unable to attend Friday sessions, or late-track applicants

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Prep session for a research competition serves multiple practical and logistical benefits for both the organizers and participants along with fostering a sense of community, and ensuring all participants can make the most of their competition experience. 

Identifying Needs Early: With preregistration information, organizers can identify students who may need additional support, such as those looking for a research topic or a mentor.  

Tailoring Support Services: Preregistration data can inform the creation of targeted support services, such as workshops on research methods, writing sessions, or mentorship programs.  

Facilitating Matchmaking: For students seeking mentors or project partners, preregistration can act as a matchmaking tool.  

Improving Communication: Preregistration establishes an early line of communication between organizers and participants.  

Enhancing Preparation: Knowing the scale and scope of the competition in advance, organizers can set up preparation sessions tailored to participants' needs (e.g., initial concept development to final presentation skills). 

Answering Questions Promptly: This ongoing dialogue helps to clarify expectations, provides guidance, and builds a supportive community among competitors. 

Estimating Participation: Preregistration provides a preliminary headcount of students interested in competing along with allocating resources, scheduling preparation events, and ensuring adequate support for all participants. 

If you are interested in one-on-one prep session, please email us at herbinnovationcenter@utoledo.edu and THInC team member will able to help you. 

Previous Winners

• Fall 2024 Winners
• Spring 2024 Winners
• Fall 2023 Winners
• Spring 2023 Winners
• Fall 2022 Winners
• Spring 2022 Winners

Testimonials

See what past participants have said about the 3M/5M competition and prep sessions:

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Amy Brinthaupt Spring 2024, Undergraduate Early-Track 1^st Place 

"My experience with the 5M competition started out of curiosity. I didn't know what the competition entailed so I went to a meeting to learn more. I talked with Professors, doctorate students, grad students, and undergraduates. It was great to bounce innovative ideas about education with a group of supportive individuals."

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Alanna Encalado Spring 2024 Undergraduate Early-Track 2^nd Place and Undergraduate's People’s Choice

"The competition was nothing short of an amazing experience. From getting to know everyone who participated to getting up and presenting in front of everyone, I learned so much. As the only high school student to participate, I walked in super nervous about what was to come. However, the people made every second worth it." 

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Hala Abou-Dahech, PhD, MBA  Spring 2024 Graduate Late-Track 2^nd Place

"I participated in the THInC competition in my final semester as a doctoral student (in fact, it was just a few weeks before my dissertation defense). I definitely believe it was a beneficial experience. Writing a dissertation is a long and oftentimes overwhelming process and as you complete chapters, it can become easy to lose sight of the “why” behind your study. By challenging me to summarize a 150+ page dissertation in minute to audience members who knew nothing about my study, I know that THInC allowed me to be better prepared for the dissertation defense. I would highly recommend the experience to all doctoral students!"

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Carolani Green  Spring 2024 Graduate Early-Track 1^st Place and Graduate's People's Choice, Fall 2023 Graduate Early-Track 2^nd Place, Fall 2024 Graduate Virtual Early-Track 2^nd Place

"I originally participated because a professor recruited me to and I had no idea what real research was. Going through the prep-sessions really helped me refine my idea and understand exactly what a research project entailed. Participating has not only given my resume some research clout, but it's gotten me excited about conducting my own research study and possibly getting it published, even while being a doctoral student. I also really appreciate that I could compete (and win!) over multiple years. I'm looking forward to taking one of my early-track ideas and pushing it through an actual study to present in late-track next year!"

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Kimberlie Kowalka Todd, MEd Spring 2024 Graduate Early-Track 2^nd Place, Fall 2024 Graduate Late-Track 1^st Place

"When I heard about the THInC 3MT competition during a presentation in one of my courses my first thought was, "That's just what I need - one more thing to do!" I was intrigued enough to go to a prep session - if anything I would get some free pizza - and left with a much better grasp of how to focus my research ideas. Having experienced people in the room provided quality feedback that helped me figure out how to deliberate in a way that led me to a focused, quality research question. This saved me so much time and effort in the long run - and I won second place and received a prize!"

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 Danielle Santos Spring 2024 Graduate Early-Track Honorable Mention

"Last spring, I participated in the early track of the THInC 3M Research Competition as a first-year doctoral student in the Social Foundations program. Before going back to school, I had a fair amount of experience working in various education research as a long-time education equity advocate. While research was not a "new" or "scary" idea to me, I learned a lot from my fellow competitors who came from all walks of life and had varying levels of experience with conducting education research. From day one of the prep sessions through competition day, it became quickly clear to me that the point of this competition was not so much to win (although prize money and free food never hurt!). Rather, THInC provided a low-stakes, relaxed, and community-driven space for me to practice sharing my next great idea for changing the world while connecting with others who are just as passionate about education issues as me. As I continue to dive deeper into my studies, I look forward to seeing how I can use the 3M competition to build upon my previous pitch-- or maybe to explore an entirely different challenge in education altogether!" 

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Donovan Nichols Spring 2023 Graduate Early Track 2^nd Place 

"Participating in the THInC 3MT competition was really beneficial in helping me to think deeper about the purpose of my dissertation research and why it is important to study. As a doctoral student, writing dozens of pages isn’t the hard part for me. Synthesizing those dozens of pages into a few impactful words is the real challenge. The THInC 3MT competition pushed me in the right direction and stimulated me to be more thoughtful and purposeful as I conduct my research." 

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Christopher Wojciechowski Spring 2023 Graduate Early-Track 1^st Place, Fall 2023 Graduate Late-Track 1^st Place 

"Participating in the THInC 3MT competition provided me with an opportunity to view my own research through the perspective of an outsider, paring down jargon and focusing on plain language. I believe that participation in the Early Track competition had a positive impact on the quality of my dissertation’s Chapter 1."

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Angelica Johnson Fall 2022 Graduate Early-Track 1^st Place, Fall 2023 Graduate Early-Track 1^st Place 

"I benefited from participating in the THInC 3MT competition by having the opportunity to present my study in front of my peers, faculty, and staff. This helped prepare me for my research proposal and eventual dissertation defense. I also benefited from seeing others' research and knowing that one day I would reach that level of scholarship."

 

Spring 2025 3M/5M Research Competition will be Thursday, March 27, 2025 in Memorial Field House Room 2100.

When are submissions due for Spring 2025 3M/5M?

The registration for Spring 3M/5M deadline is Wednesday, March 19th, 2025 by 11:59pm.

You must submit your slide and fill out the registration form before the deadline to compete in that semester's 3M/5M Research Competition (see Registration tab for more information). Do not wait until the very last minute in case there are technology issues, as that will not allow you to submit late.

What is the difference between early-track and late-track?

Early-track is an idea. You present a research project idea that has no collected data, results or conclusions yet. Early-track cannot have any human subjects (e.g., giving out a survey or conducting an interview). If you have a class project you're working on, you may present the idea itself, but not any of the class/human content. If you are planning to use a class project as your idea, make sure you discuss it first with your Professor.

Late-track is a study. You present a research study that you have been working on or completed. Late-track with human subjects must have gone through IRB and been approved. Late-track has data you collected, analysis, and may be working on results/conclusions. If you are planning to use a class project, make sure you discuss it first with your Professor.

If you are unsure about whether your idea is early-track or late-track, or if you can present on something you've been working on in a class, please reach out to THInC at HerbInnovationCenter@utoledo.edu and we will work through it with you.

What types of research methods are accepted for this competition? 

All topics related to education and types of research methods are welcomed (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, survey simulation, experimental, single-subject, action research, historical, philosophical, reflective-descriptive, and interpretive research, etc.).

What makes a presentation competitive? 

A competitive submission will cover three specific domains within their presentations.

• Significance: The student should explain the importance of the problem or describe the critical barrier to progress in the education field that is being addressed in the research. For example, explain how the proposed research or completed project will improve scientific knowledge, technical capabilities, and/or clinical practice related to education.
• Innovation: The student will explain how their current or proposed research is innovative. For example, explain how the work seeks to shift current research or current educational practice paradigms.
• Broader Impact: The student should discuss the broader impact of their research. For example, in what ways might their research improve education, mental health, well-being, contribute to society, and/or improve social justice outcomes?

What are the requirements for the PowerPoint? 

The PowerPoint should include 2 slides: title slide, and presentation slide

• • Title slide should include:
    • Title of the presentation
    • Your name (e.g., First, Middle Initial, Last)
    • Degree program and level (e.g., Curriculum and Instruction, MA)
    • Track (early or late)
    • EXAMPLE: "This is my cool title" Carolani Green, doctoral student in Higher Education, early-track

• • Presentation slide requirements:
    • A single, static PowerPoint slide
    • May include statements of significance, innovation, and broader impact
    • May have images/text
    • No slide transitions
    • No animations or “movement” of any kind
    • No additional sound or video
    • No additional props (e.g., costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment)
    • Text and/or visuals can be used, but be sure to not be text-heavy and avoid complicated visuals
    • To see examples of past 3M/5M competitors and slides, please go to the "Previous Winners" tab and select a term/year to view what has been done. You can also click on the hyperlinked titles of Fall 23 and Spring 24 to view the actual competition presentation of the winners.

Can I do a virtual submission even if I live/work closer than 30+ miles?

Yes. Virtual submissions are allowed as a last-case scenario. All students who can attend in-person should attend in-person. Virtual competitors will be held in their own competition (virtual and in-person submissions are not competing against each other), and receive less prize money. Also, graduate students who compete in virtual 3M are ineligible to move on to the university-wide 3MT.

Can more than one presentation be submitted? 

No. Students may submit only one entry to either the early research track or late research track. Competitors submitting multiple entries in any format (early/late/in-person/virtual) will be automatically disqualified.

Can I skip this competition and go straight to the University of Toledo's 3MT competition as a graduate student? 

No. Graduate students in JHCOE wishing to compete in the University of Toledo's 3MT must compete in our in-person late-track competition and place, in order to move on to the university wide 3MT. THInC's 3M Research Competition is considered preliminary-rounds for all JHCOE graduate students wishing to compete in the University of Toledo's 3MT.

How long is the presentation and are notes allowed? 

• Presentations are limited to  3 minutes for the Graduate 3M (held in the fall semester) and to 5 minutes for the Undergraduate 5M (held in the spring semester). Competitors exceeding their minutes will be disqualified.
• Undergraduate students (both early and late track) and graduate students (early track only) are allowed one 3x5 notecard with handwritten notes on one side only. You should not read from the notecard during the presentation, however. It should be used a helpful guide.
• Graduate students late track are not allowed any notes. Winners in the Fall competition will move on to the University of Toledo 3MT competition held in late fall.

What are the requirements for the style of presentation? 

• Presentations are to be spoken-word (e.g., no poetry, raps, or songs).
• Do not read from a script during the presentation. For those allowed notecards, use it briefly as a guide as needed.
• Be clear in their delivery and project their voice to the audience.
• Use nontechnical terms for a non-specialist audience.
• Be engaging and show enthusiasm/passion.

Check out YouTube for previous winners of THInC's 3M/5M Research Competition.

• • undergraduate 5M example late-track
  • undergraduate 5M example early-track 1
  • undergraduate 5M example early-track 2
  • graduate 3M example late-track 1
  • graduate 3M example late-track 2
  • graduate 3M example early-track 1
  • graduate 3M example early-track 2

How are the presentations judged? 

• The panel of judges will include professionals from both within and/or outside the University of Toledo, excluding the Judith Herb College of Education. Judges may or may not have a background in research or education. Additionally, no judge will have a student mentee participating in the event.
• Judges will use the UToledo 3MT Judging Sheet to judge all presentations.
• The decisions of the judges are final.

When and where will the presentation be?

Present your idea or results live! Spring 2025 3M/5M will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM in Memorial Field House, Room 2100.

Does the presentation have to be in-person? 

No. Each presenter will have the option to compete either in-person (preferred) or virtually (if you work/live 30+ miles away). Please note, if you compete virtually, award amounts/prizes are different than in-person attendees.

What do I need to do if I'm presenting virtually?

You will register as normal through the registration tab before the submission deadline for that semester - choose *virtual* option. You will be contacted via email from THInC to set up a time when you will record your presentation virtually with one of our team members. Via a Teams meeting you will give your 3 or 5 minute presentation, which we will record and then play at the live competition. No notes or reading from cards is allowed. Anyone going over their allotted time will automatically be disqualified from the competition, just like in-person. You get one presentation shot (via Teams meeting), just like all in-person competitors get. You will be judged during the in-person competition against other virtual competitors in your track, and winners will be announced at the end of the competition.

Will the presentation be videotaped? 

Yes. Each presenter will be video recorded during the duration of their presentation.

Who will I be competing against?

Presenters will compete exclusively with students of their own level and track. For example, in-person early-track graduate students will face competition solely from other in-person early-track graduates.

What happens if I win?

Students who succeed in the Early Track competition will receive a prize according to their performance: $175 for first place, $75 for second place, and $50 for an honorable mention. Additionally, there is a $75 prize for the recipient of the People's Choice Award, reflecting the support and recognition from their peers and audience, which anyone competing could win.

Similarly, students who succeed in the Late Track competition will receive a prize according to their performance: $300 for first place, $175 for second place, and $100 for an honorable mention. Additionally, there is a $175 prize for the recipient of the People's Choice Award, reflecting the support and recognition from their peers and audience, which anyone competing could win.

Resources

Navigating the 3M Research Competition: From Idea to a Polished 3M Talk

Description: This session is designed to guide competitors through the big picture of the competition, providing a comprehensive overview of the process from start to finish. Participants will receive support in identifying and refining their topics into focused, researchable ideas, and gain insights on preparing an impactful 3M (Three-Minute) talk. This session is ideal for those who have yet to choose a topic or need assistance narrowing down their focus.

3MT Research Competition Tips

Mentor and Research Information Request

FEATURED FACULTY MENTORS

• Colleen Fitzpatrick, Ph.D.
  Areas of research interest:  Exploring the complex and interactional role the context of a classroom, school, district or state plays in how teachers and students experience teaching and learning social studies in grades 6-12.  Within this, she has a particular focus on how teachers teach and students learn about religion in social studies classrooms.                                                     
• Lynne Hamer, Ph.D.
  Areas of research interest:  Historical foundations of education/historical intersections between schooling and marginalized populations; life writing/educational biography and oral history.                                                                                                       

• Edward Janak, Ph.D.
  Areas of research interest:  Historical foundations of education/historical intersections between schooling and marginalized populations; life writing/educational biography and oral history; pop culture/mass culture and education.
  
  
• Natasha Johnson, Ph.D.
  Areas of research interest:  Chemistry education; multicultural science education; STEM interest, access, and persistence.
  
  
• Revathy Kumar Ph.D.
  Areas of research interest:  Social and cultural processes involved in constructing a sense of self and identity among adolescents and young adults in culturally diverse societies, the role of teachers, teacher-education programs, schools, communities, and families in facilitating minority and immigrant adolescents’ development, learning, and motivation.                   
• Sekhar Pindiprolu, Ph.D.
  Areas of research interest:  Teaching and learning strategies, computer-assisted instruction, designing instruction, program evaluations.
  
  
• Dale T. Snauwaert, Ph.D.
  Areas of research interest: Justice, education for peace and justice, democracy, democratic education.
  
  
• Robert A. Schultz, Ph.D.
  

  Areas of research interest:  Gifted/Talented education; Social and Emotional Needs; Creativity; Curriculum Theory and Philosophical Foundations of Education; Assessment and Evaluation; Qualitative and Mixed Methods Research Methods; Parents and Parenting.

• Mark Templin, Ph.D.
  Areas of research interest:  Science instruction, science teacher education, activity theory.
  
  
• Michael Toland, Ph.D.
  Areas of research interest:  Sense of belonging, developing surveys, undergraduate research, applied statistics, applied measurement.