![\"A](\"https:\/\/brocku.ca\/brock-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Joseph-Gebru-3MT-scaled.jpg\")
<\/a>Applied Health Sciences master’s student Joseph Gebru (BSc ’23) took first place in Brock’s recent Three Minute Thesis competition.<\/p><\/div>\n
\u201cMy research title doesn\u2019t fully convey the story, which is about more than just navigating the system; it\u2019s about empowering individuals who have been marginalized,\u201d he says. \u201cMy goal is to challenge perceptions and push for more equitable health-care practices.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gebru says it was difficult to distill the complex message of his work into three minutes and a single slide, so he chose to focus on sharing its impact through a compelling story rather than discussing methods or data.<\/p>\n
His research is grounded in his upbringing and personal experiences of negative stereotypes imposed on him and his peers.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was something I could relate to directly,\u201d Gebru says. \u201cGrowing up, I never looked at myself with pride because of how others saw me. I wanted to use my research to change that for others in my community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, Gebru is excited to represent Brock and share his work with a wider audience during the provincial 3MT finals at the University of Toronto in May. He is already planning his next steps to prepare for the finals by gathering feedback and refining his presentation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt feels incredible to have my research recognized in such a meaningful way,\u201d Gebru says of his win at Brock. \u201cThis competition allowed me to share something I\u2019m truly passionate about \u2014 how to change the narrative for Black youth and empower them to take control of their health. It\u2019s humbling to see that the judges valued this perspective.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brock\u2019s 2025 3MT competition saw a record 24 graduate students compete, showcasing a wide array of research across disciplines. Other winners include:<\/p>\n
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- Second Place \u2014 Fr\u00e9d\u00e9rik Rivard, a Biological Sciences master\u2019s student, for the presentation \u201cLet\u2019s Talk Yeasts, Wine, and a Little Bit of Art\u201d<\/li>\n
- Third Place \u2014 Kyra Omland (BSc \u201924), an Applied Health Sciences master\u2019s student, for the presentation \u201cChanges in Maternal Sensitivity Following Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Postpartum Depression Predict Adaptive Alterations in Infant Emotion Regulation\u201d<\/li>\n
- People\u2019s Choice Award \u2014 Isabela Fetter, a Biological Sciences PhD student, for the presentation \u201cSpecialists x Generalists: Fungi Specificity and Beyond\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n