For the second time in as many months, Anna Nickel and her concussion research took first place on the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) stage — this time making Brock University history in the process.

The Master of Science in Applied Health Sciences student clinched a win at the 2026 3MT Ontario Regional Competition on Wednesday, May 6, just weeks after taking the top spot in the University’s finals. Nickel is the first Brock student to win the provincial competition, which was hosted by the University for the first time.

Brock welcomed graduate students representing universities from across Ontario for the annual competition, which challenges participants to explain their research and its broader impact to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes using a single presentation slide. Presenters focused on a wide array of topics, spanning health, psychology, biology, forensic science and artificial intelligence.

The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (FGSPA) played a key role in organizing the 3MT Ontario Regional Competition, from event logistics to competitor support, while welcoming judges and guests from universities across Ontario to Brock.

Supervised by Assistant Professor of Kinesiology Amanda Black, Nickel’s research is focused on making standard concussion assessment tools — which often depend on visual tracking and spatial awareness — more effective for athletes with visual impairments.

Joining Nickel at the competition’s top was Isabelle Hinch of the University of Windsor, who took second place, and Jessica M. Biasin of Ontario Tech University, who placed third.

Nickel also tied for the Participants’ Choice Award, sharing the honour with Hrishikesh Patil of the University of Guelph.

Nickel said she enjoyed presenting her research to the competition’s judges and crowd, and was also moved by the camaraderie developed by the competitors throughout the day.

“We all just became really quick friends,” she said. “We were all cheering each other on and supporting each other before and after presentations.”

Nickel was proud to represent Brock University on the provincial stage.

“I feel so honoured to have accomplished first place and the Participants’ Choice Award at the 3MT Ontario Regional Competition,” she said. “I know I have amazing support from the Brock community, which made me so excited to bring this home for us.”

Nickel will now advance to the 2026 National 3MT Showcase hosted by the Canadian Association for Graduate Studies on Wednesday, Nov. 4 in Regina, Sask.

“It means a lot that our research is being valued on a provincial, and soon a national, level,” she said. “I hope this will bring more awareness to para sport and the exciting opportunities for injury and concussion management for athletes with vision impairment.”

The provincial competition was judged by a panel including Rob Baker, Karl Dockstader, Janelle Joseph and Adam Shoalts (BA ’09).