March 28, 2025
Hannah Anderson, a PhD student in the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, has won the prestigious Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition hosted by Marquette’s Graduate School. Her presentation, titled Investigating the Bladder Renin-Angiotensin System: Role of the Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor, impressed the judges and earned her the grand prize of $500.
The 3MT competition, developed by The University of Queensland, challenges graduate students to present their research in a concise, engaging three-minute presentation, using only one slide and no animations. The competition celebrates innovative research conducted by doctoral and master’s students while honing their ability to communicate complex ideas to a non-specialist audience. Additionally, it provides an invaluable platform for professional development, networking, and public speaking.
In her thesis, Anderson explores the complex communication mechanisms involved in bladder function, focusing on the Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor (AT2R). Bladder diseases, such as interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), remain difficult to treat due to limited understanding of these mechanisms. Anderson’s research aims to address this gap by investigating the potential protective effects of AT2R in both normal bladder physiology and pathological conditions like cystitis. By characterizing AT2R expression and its role in bladder function, her work seeks to identify new therapeutic targets for bladder diseases, offering valuable insights into potential treatments for IC/BPS and improving patients' quality of life.
Hannah will now represent Marquette University at the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools regional competition, which will take place in Indianapolis, IN, on April 4, 2025.
Among the other top finalists this year was Ruth Woehlke, a PhD candidate in the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering. Woehlke’s thesis, titled Redefining Imaging to Bring the Retina into Focus, also earned significant recognition.
The Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering has consistently performed well in the 3MT competition at Marquette University, with numerous finalists and runners-up in recent years. Past participants include Allison Scarbrough (finalist, 2024), Jesse Gerringer (finalist, 2023), Joey Avila (runner-up, 2021), Eileen Baker (winner, 2019), and Ali Aleiou (finalist, 2017).
Congratulations again to Hannah Anderson, and best of luck as she represents Marquette University and the Joint Department at the upcoming regional competition!
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