The inaugural Postgraduate Research Week was held between 5-9 August and included showcase presentations, networking discussion lunches and the Three-Minute Thesis Competition (3MT).
It was an excellent chance for Lincoln postgraduate students to be recognised for their outstanding contributions to the university and illustrated the depth of research being conducted.
The 3MT challenge involved students presenting their research to an intelligent but non-academic audience, using only one presentation slide and keeping the talk to under three minutes.
Lincoln University Professor Charles Brennan, who ran Postgraduate Research Week, said he was incredibly impressed by the calibre of presentations, as well as the diversity of projects.
Thesis topics ranged from whether yoga can improve cardiovascular health to the importance of infrastructural sustainability in vineyards, the role of goji berries in preventing Alzheimer’s disease, and how gut health can affect wellbeing.
The winner of the grand prize was PhD student, Leonie Mollet, whose thesis investigates a shift in people management and leadership towards empowerment and self-organisation.
Mohamad Odeh won the Master’s prize, for his presentation on the importance of harvesting rainwater.
The runner-up title went to PhD student Wardah Ali, who is researching trust and communication between managers and employees, in situations where there are potential cross-cultural issues.
Leonie was awarded $1000 and a trophy and will be flown to Brisbane to represent Lincoln University at the Asia-Pacific Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition on Friday, 4 October, 2019.
Mohamad will be flown to the University of Otago to represent Lincoln University at the New Zealand Master’s 3MT on 22 August, 2019.
Showcase presentations also involved a wide range of research topics, including how New Zealand native insects are contributing to higher nitrogen levels in exotic plants and crops, and the determinants of trade flows between Cambodia and its major trading partners.
Other activities throughout the week were a networking lunch for future researchers, a lively debate between staff and students, a discussion involving research survival tips, and information about maintaining wellbeing while working on a demanding thesis.
Postgraduate Research Week will now be a regular fixture in the university calendar, with next year’s event already scheduled for August.