Thakshala Tissera - 2024 3MT Winner

Thakshala Tissera, Visiting Instructor, Mount Holyoke College (3MT 2024 Winner)

If you wish, share a memory or reflection on your experience as a finalist. 

I signed up for the 3MT at a time when my research was looking very "messy:" there seemed to be both too much data that was all over the place and too little data on any given theme at the same time. Focusing on compressing and streamlining my project into a 3 minute speech helped me to identify my key arguments, the most "saleable" aspects of my work, and the areas in which I really needed more data. It was really a turning point or light bulb moment in my dissertation journey. 

If you wish, share a sentence or two about how the 3MT impacted your career trajectory. 

Students sometimes share that they saw my 3MT video which opens up an interesting way to connect with them. 

Anything else you want to share about your 3MT experience? 

In graduate school, I lacked two key extra curricular activities that had provided structure, community, and a restorative relief from academics in my previous educational contexts: competitive team sports and debating. In participating in the 3MT I felt that I regained my rhythm and reestablished a work trajectory that ultimately led me to the PhD defense.