3-Minute Thesis Competition

1. Minh Khoi Le (Applied Computer Science and Society MSc), "Why Do We Fall? Using Brain Imaging to Understand and Prevent Falls"
   Abstract: Older adults are at a significant risk of falling, even with advances in modern healthcare. Falls can lead to serious consequences, and in severe cases, death. Balance control depends on multiple interacting factors, including posture and attentional control; however, how these mechanisms change with aging is not yet fully understood. In particular, there is limited understanding of how the brain responds during moments of balance instability in older adults. This research uses electroencephalography (EEG), a non-invasive method for recording brain activity, to examine neural responses associated with balance loss during standing and walking tasks. By comparing neural activity across age groups, this study aims to identify age-related changes in the neural control of balance. A better understanding of these mechanisms may help inform evidence-based approaches to balance training and fall risk reduction in aging populations.
   
   
2. Yashodha Charuni Weerasekara (Environmental and Social Change MSc), "Digging into Soil Chemistry to Protect Our Lakes"
   Abstract: Eutrophication is a major water quality concern across the Canadian Prairies, particularly in Lake Winnipeg, where phosphorus (P) loading from agricultural soils in the Red River Basin during spring snowmelt drives harmful algal blooms. Soil dissolved organic matter (DOM) can enhance P availability and mobilization by competing for mineral sorption sites and altering soil physicochemical conditions. This research investigates how variability in soil DOM quality influences P mobilization from agricultural fields across the basin. Soil samples collected from 117 agricultural fields will be analysed for DOM absorbance and fluorescence indices, as well as P concentrations. Statistical models will evaluate relationships between soil DOM quality indices and P concentrations. By identifying DOM indicators linked to elevated P mobility, this study aims to improve prediction of snowmelt-driven P export and support targeted management strategies to mitigate eutrophication in Lake Winnipeg.
   
   
3. Tabitha Evans (Environmental and Social Change MA), "Powering Sustainable Energy Transitions Through Diversity"
   Abstract: Transdisciplinary research approaches are increasingly recognized for addressing complex environmental problems. Such approaches highlight the need to understand how diverse teams work across disciplines, integrate different kinds of knowledge, and reflect on their practices. My thesis research explores CANSTOREnergy, a pan-Canadian transdisciplinary team focused on sustainable energy transitions in Northern and Southern Canada.
   
   
4. Imogen Bellinger (Bioscience, Technology, and Public Policy MSc), "Can They Cope? Testing the Limits of Brook Trout in a Changing Climate"
   Abstract: Globally, aquatic ecosystems are experiencing increasing temperatures and rising levels of carbon dioxide. While each of these stressors can harm aquatic life on their own, their combined effects may pose a greater threat. Cold-water species like brook trout are especially vulnerable to climate change, yet we still know little about how they respond to the combined effects of these stressors.
   
   In this study, we examined how elevated temperature and carbon dioxide affect juvenile brook trout. Over 34 days, fish were exposed to treatments representing current and future carbon dioxide and temperature conditions. Then we examined their effects on growth, metabolism, thermal tolerance, and behaviour to see how they cope.
   
   Our findings reveal how juvenile brook trout respond to a changing climate, providing valuable insights for conservation and management. By understanding which conditions are most stressful, we can better protect freshwater fish populations as their habitats continue to change.
   
   
5. Ishadie Namir (Applied Computer Science and Society MSc), "Seeing From Space: Helping AI Describe Satellite Images Accurately"
   Abstract: Satellite images help us understand our planet, from monitoring cities and forests to responding to natural disasters. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) can automatically describe these images using text, but it often makes confident mistakes by mentioning objects or details that are not actually present. This problem, known as hallucination, limits how much we can trust AI generated descriptions. In this research, I develop a method that helps AI describe satellite images more accurately and reliably. Instead of relying only on language patterns, I first train the model to closely connect images and text using contrastive learning, so it learns which visual features truly match specific descriptions. During caption generation, the model is guided to remain aligned with this visual understanding, reducing false details. The result is an AI system that produces clearer, more faithful satellite image descriptions, making automated Earth observation more trustworthy and useful for real world applications.
   
   
6. Hansika Lewkebandara (Environmental and Social Change MSc), "Grounded, Not Washed Away!"
   Abstract: Phosphorus (P) plays a dual role; it is a vital nutrient for plants, yet when it washes away into water bodies such as Lake Winnipeg, it fuels harmful algal blooms. Most P loss from farmlands in Manitoba occurs during spring snowmelt. My research investigates whether gypsum and ferric chloride treatments applied together to soils will reduce P loss while allowing adequate P supply to crops. Soil tests in two farmers’ fields in Manitoba showed that the treatments significantly reduced water-extractable phosphorus, a proxy for P loss. Treatments did not significantly change plant-available P, thus, maintained soil fertility. In summary, the use of gypsum and ferric chloride together was found to be a viable option for reducing P loss from soil, while allowing crops to access P. The results of this research will help us make recommendations to Manitoba farmers that will preserve our water bodies, while ensuring food security.

Three Minute Thesis Competition participants receive two exclusive training opportunities.

Make Three Minutes Memorable: Constructing a Research Narrative

Friday, February 6

2:00-3:00 PM

Grad Studies Boardroom (1RC029)

Designing an Effective Slide

Friday, February 20

2:00-3:00 PM

Grad Studies Boardroom (1RC029)

3MT Dress Rehearsal

Wednesday, March 4

Time 11:30-4:00

3C00

3MT Headshots for Finalists

Friday, March 6

1:00-4:00 pm

3C00