Changing the World in Three Minutes: A Look into Chemistry Students’ Journeys through BYU’s 3MT Competition

From left to right: Adeyemi Ojaide, Rebekah Stanley, and Aubri Saxton at the Chemistry Department Level awards.

Adeyemi Ojaide, Rebekah Stanley, and Aubri Saxton won the Chemistry Department’s 3MT Competition! They moved on to the next level to represent the Chemistry Department at the College of Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences for a chance to compete at the University Level. During this second round of the competition, Rebekah received first place, Adeyemi received second place, and Aubri received an Honorable Mention Award. For her placement, Rebekah was able to represent the Chemistry Department and the college as a whole at the University-wide level competition.

Adeyemi Ojaide presenting at the College level competition.

Adeyemi’s research focuses on creating a zinc-zeolite catalyst that captures hydrogen sulfide pollution without degrading the catalyst to help prevent and remove toxic hydrogen sulfide pollution. Combining zinc with zeolites and exposing the zinc-zeolites to hydrogen sulfide gas helps facilitate its reduction to sulfur. For creating an effective and efficient presentation of her work, Adeyemi said preparation was key, identifying the most important details of her thesis and creating a clear narrative to share.

Rebekah Stanley presenting at the University level competition.

Rebekah's research focuses on producing electricity from carbohydrates. Carbohydrate fuel cells create electricity using gold or platinum electrodes, and she hopes to create a more effective alternative by modifying the electrodes to release more energy from the carbohydrates. She shared her presentation with friends and peers before the competition to understand where details could be simplified and how an audience could understand her thesis without becoming confused.

Aubri Saxton presenting at the College level competition.

Aubri’s research examines cellular crosstalk with their environment using tissue engineering, then using those techniques to learn more about lung diseases and the effect the interstitium has on them. She practiced her presentation with her family to hone in on staying within the three-minute mark.

We commend these three students for their hard work and dedication, not just to their research, but their goals to improve the world around them. Congratulations to them!

By: Sydney Gant

Photos provided by: Liesel Wynn and Brigham Young University.