News

Jasmine Friedrich Yap (MSc Rehabilitation Research) and Madeline Kwan (MSc Kinesiology) are taking the main stage this week in Dal’s 3MT finals. Alongside ten other competitors, they will present their theses in hopes of taking home the top prize and representing Dalhousie at the regional 3MT competition at Memorial University in June. Cash prizes will also be awarded for the top three presentations and people’s choice award.

Reducing risks for home care recipients

Friedrich Yap’s three minute thesis is titled “Adapting Current Fracture Prevention Guidelines to Home Care Across Canada.” She will explain that home care recipients have unique risk factors (such as elevated levels of cognitive impairment, Parkinson’s, alcohol and tobacco use) compared to the long-term care and the general community dwelling populations who currently have fracture prevention guidelines.

Friedrich Yap aims to create tailored guidelines that can help reduce the risk of fractures and improve the overall health and well-being of older adults receiving care at home in Canada.

Nature as a health intervention

Madeline Kwan’s thesis is titled "Prescription PaRX: Nature is the Greatest Medicine for All.” She will talk about the health benefits of nature as a health intervention that is not accessible for all youth, particularly vulnerable youth. 

“In my research, I will be creating a youth informed survey aimed to gain perspectives of diverse youth across all of Nova Scotia, learning about their perspective and experiences on nature and how we can make it more accessible for them.”

Kwan’s hope is that this research will inform policy and professionals, with the goal of making nature in Nova Scotia more accessible for young people.

The benefits of 3MT

Friedrich Yap says that 3MT is a great way to practice her public speaking skills.

“Preparing for 3MT helped me practice conveying my research to a variety of audiences in an effective manner. Through practice and feedback from colleagues, I have developed stronger communication skills and will be better equipped to share my research with others in the future.”

Kwan signed up for 3MT because over the years she has struggled with her nerves around public speaking, and she wanted to prove to herself that she can confidently present in high-pressure settings.

“I think 3MT is such a cool concept. I like how the speakers are so energetic and passionate about their research topics and how they are able to use metaphors and humor to break down complex concepts. I wanted to be able to present my research in this way to really embody the excitement I have for my project.”

Both Friedrich Yap and Kwan competed against dozens of other semi-finalists last week. They both shared that it was an honour to be chosen among other dedicated and passionate researchers – and they look forward to learning more about the participants’ research.

Cheer on Friedrich Yap and Kwan along with the other finalists on Tuesday, March from 6:00 – 8:00 PM in the McInnes Room in the SUB, or watch the live stream.