![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.flinders.edu.au\/hdr-students\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/92\/2025\/10\/Cate-Sexton.jpg\")
<\/p>\nA huge congratulations to Cate Sexton from the College of Science and Engineering for her remarkable achievements in the 2025 Three Minute Thesis (3MT\u00ae) Competition!<\/p>\n
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The 3MT\u00ae is a global academic challenge that invites PhD students to present their research in just three minutes \u2014 using one static slide and no props \u2014 to a non-specialist audience. Developed by The University of Queensland, the competition helps researchers sharpen their communication, presentation, and storytelling skills while making their work accessible and engaging.<\/p>\n
Cate\u2019s PhD research explores the deep-time relationships between people and animals in semi-arid southern Australia. Her project focuses on animal bones from Warratyi rock shelter (Vulkathunha\u2013Gammon Ranges, Adnyamathanha Country), weaving together archaeology, palaeontology, and traditional knowledge to uncover ancient interactions.<\/p>\n
After winning the Flinders University 3MT Final in August \u2014 following success in the College Heats and Semi-final \u2014 Cate advanced to the Asia-Pacific Final,<\/a> where she was named one of just eight finalists from a pool of 55 entrants across the region. She was later awarded runner-up in the Innovative Research Universities (IRU) 3MT Competition<\/a>, with winners announced at the Senior Leaders Forum in September.<\/p>\n Reflecting on her experience, Cate shared:<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s pretty amazing what can be achieved in three minutes \u2014 and what can come from simply deciding to give it a go. Entering the 3MT was a last-minute \u2018why not?\u2019 decision, and I\u2019m so glad I did. The process of preparing, editing, practising, and presenting expanded my skillset in ways I didn\u2019t expect. I gained confidence, resilience, and a sharper ability to communicate. Plus, I made new connections across the university and shared my research with audiences who might never have encountered it otherwise. It\u2019s been personally rewarding and professionally invaluable \u2014 I can\u2019t recommend it enough.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n