GradPitch

Your Research. Your Pitch. Your Impact.


The GradPitch Competition challenges graduate students to present their research in just three minutes. Participants can compete in the general GradPitch category or the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) category. This event highlights innovative research while helping students build essential skills in academic writing, presentation design, and public speaking. Through a series of interactive workshops, competitors will learn how to craft a compelling script, create an effective slide, and deliver a confident presentation — all leading up to the final GradPitch competition on April 15, 2026.
Sign Up Deadline: February 9, 2026

Sign Up

Contact Us

The Graduate School

Health Sciences Campus

Pavilion III

(706) 721-3278

gradsuccess@augusta.edu

 

Expectations & Eligibility

All disciplines are welcome and encouraged to participate. Presentations must be no longer than three minutes; competitors who exceed the time limit will be disqualified. No additional electronic media (such as sound or video files) or props are permitted. Awards and prizes will be presented at the final GradPitch competition on April 15, 2026.
 

General Eligibility

  • Be enrolled in a graduate program at AU through end of spring semester
  • Present original research completed as an AU graduate student in your current program (does not need to be part of a thesis or dissertation)
  • Attend all scheduled workshops and competition events

3MT Eligibility

  • Meet all general eligibility requirements
  • Be enrolled in a PhD or professional doctorate research program
  • Have successfully passed comprehensive exams prior to the first workshop
  • Present original research that will culminate in a doctoral dissertation
  • Have not previously won first place in a 3MT competition

2026 Workshop Schedule

 

To compete, students must attend all three interactive workshops.

From Ideas to Impact: GradPitch Script Development
February 10, 2026 | 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Building a Great GradPitch Slide
February 24, 2026 | 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Presentation Skills for Success: The Art of Delivery
March 10, 2026 | 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Location: CJ 2340 (Pavilion III)

LinkedIn Learning Logo

GradPitch Executive Committee

Pamela Hayward, PhD

  • Program Director

Patricia Cameron, PhD

  • Vice Dean - The Graduate School

Shannon Barwick, PhD

  • Assistant Professor

2025 3MT Competition Winners

 

photo of Richard Kontoh-Twumasi

Richard Kontoh-Twumasi

  • 1st Place Winner - Dry Eye Disease: A Salty Problem with a Sweet Solution
photo of Elisabeth Mellott

Elisabeth Mellott

  • 2nd Place Winner - Tired and Overworked: Mitochondria in Preeclampsia
photo of Richard Kontoh-Twumasi

Richard Kontoh-Twumasi

  • People's Choice Winner - Dry Eye Disease: A Salty Problem with a Sweet Solution

Graduate Fair

Spring into Graduate School

Your gateway to graduate success starts here! Explore a wide range of graduate programs, meet current students, connect with faculty and staff, and ask questions in a welcoming environment. Whether you're just starting your search or ready to apply, this event is designed to help you take the next step toward your future. Join us on March 12 in the JSAC Ballroom from 4:00 – 6:30 p.m.

Learn More Our Programs