Omar Rinchi, a Ph.D. candidate in computer engineering, won first place in Missouri S&T’s 2024 Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition on Thursday, Nov. 7.

Rinchi impressed the judges with his presentation, titled “Remote Breathing Monitoring Using LiDAR Technology.” He will advance to the regional 3MT competition hosted by the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools in Indianapolis in April 2025, where he will compete for a chance to present his research at a national competition.

Jennifer Harrell, a Ph.D. student in biological sciences, was named the runner-up for her presentation, “Sleep Impacts Metabolic Processes.” Harrell will take Rinchi’s place if he is unable to compete at the regional level. The People’s Choice Award went to Mobashir Ahmed, a Ph.D. student in metallurgical engineering. His presentation, “Fiber Optic Sensor in EAF Burner – Future of Temperature Sensing in Steelmaking,” earned the highest praise from both the in-person and virtual audiences.

Additional finalists in the competition included Niloofar Zendehdel, a Ph.D. student in mechanical engineering, and Aamir Iqbal, a Ph.D. student in mining engineering.

Judges for the final round included John Butz, Rolla city administrator; Cody Honse, assistant vice president at Legends Bank; Rebecca Roberts, educational consultant with the regional professional development center; Dr. Kate Drowne, assistant provost for faculty affairs and professor of English and technical communications; and William Smith, director of inclusion and engagement. Other community and campus members participated in earlier rounds of judging. The 3MT competition, which originated at the University of Queensland in New Zealand, is now held annually at more than 900 universities worldwide.