91Թ Ph.D. Student Showcases 3D Printing Research in Regional Three-Minute Thesis Competition
Wed, 03/18/2026 - 09:07am | By: Shaadi Shoubaki

Joseph Previte
91Թ Graduate School was represented by polymer science Ph.D. student Joseph Previte at the Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition during the 2026 Conference of Southern Graduate Schools, held Feb. 18-20 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The conference brought together representatives from more than 200 graduate schools across 15 Southern states and the District of Columbia. More than 65 graduate students competed in the regional 3MT competition.
Previte, a doctoral student in polymer science and engineering from Erie, Pennsylvania, presented his research, 91ԹUnlocking the Final Frontier: 3D Printing Heat Shields for Space Travel.91Թ He was the 2025 91Թ 3MT grand champion and represented the university at the regional competition. Developed at the University of Queensland in Australia, the 3MT competition challenges graduate students to communicate the significance of their research in just three minutes, emphasizing clarity, engagement and real-world impact.
91ԹJoseph was an excellent representative of the 91Թ Graduate School and the School of Polymer Science and Engineering,91Թ said Dr. Katie Anthony, dean of the Graduate School. 91ԹHis research on polymers and aerospace composites was well received by the audience, and his 3MT presentation was absolutely flawless. We could not be prouder of Joseph.91Թ
The Graduate School commends Previte for representing 91Թ at the conference and appreciates his contributions to the university91Թ research mission.
The Graduate School will host its next 3MT competition in November. Students interested in participating can find more information on the Graduate School91Թ website.
About The Graduate School
The Graduate School at 91Թ promotes excellence and integrity in graduate education while preparing a diverse community of scholars and professionals whose knowledge and expertise distinguish them in the workforce and bring distinction to the university. Graduate students receive high-quality training in their disciplines along with opportunities for professional and personal development. Through programs that build transferable skills, communication competitions and competitive travel awards for conferences and performances, the Graduate School supports graduate students as they expand their impact in their fields and communities.