Title: Kyndra Higgins: Fall 2024 3MT Grand Prize Winner in Breast Cancer Research

Kyndra Higgins, a doctoral candidate in the College of Engineering, emerged victorious in the Fall 2024 UGA Three Minute Thesis Competition. Her presentation, “Breast Cancer: How Cells Shape Up,” delved into the complexities of triple-negative breast cancer and the impact on African American women. Higgins’ research aims to identify new parameters for detecting cancer metastasis by studying cell characteristics and behaviors.

Preparing for the 3MT competition challenged Higgins to distill complex ideas into accessible language, deepening her connection to the population her research could benefit. Winning the grand prize was a humbling experience, as she navigated nerves and connected with fellow graduate students from various fields.

Higgins credits her mentor, Dr. Cheryl Gomillion, for shaping her academic and professional journey. As she focuses on writing her dissertation and explores post-doctoral opportunities, she reflects on her first-generation status and the supportive community she found at UGA.

The Fall 2024 3MT competition featured 64 submissions from students across 43 departments. Alongside Higgins, Anthony Suryamiharja and Marco Garcia were recognized for their outstanding presentations. The competition, an annual event at UGA, provides students with a platform to showcase their research in a concise and engaging manner.

In conclusion, Kyndra Higgins’ success in the 3MT competition highlights the importance of clear communication in academia. Her dedication to breast cancer research and her journey as a first-generation student serve as inspirations for future researchers. The 3MT competition continues to be a valuable opportunity for students to hone their presentation skills and share their impactful research with a broader audience.