This year, Somila Nazo, a Masters student conducting her MMedSc research in the UFS Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Unit under the supervision of Prof Martin Nyaga and Dr Emmanuel Ogunbayo, participated in the University’s prestigious Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. Her research focuses on metagenomics in healthcare environments, examining microbial community composition and antimicrobial resistance within ICU settings and hospital wastewater systems.
The highly technical nature of her work, rooted in sequencing data and microbial ecology, made the 3MT competition a unique challenge, requiring her to present complex research in a clear, concise, and accessible manner.
The first stage of the competition took place at the faculty level on 18 September, where Ms Nazo was announced the Winner in the Masters category. Presenting in person, she captivated the audience by communicating not only what her research entails but also why it matters—highlighting its significance for public health, infection control, and understanding microbial transmission risks in hospital environments. She received positive feedback and support from the academic community for her engaging and accessible presentation style.
Advancing to the institutional round on 20 October, Ms Nazo presented virtually, overcoming the unique challenges of engaging an online audience and conveying emphasis and emotion through a screen. Her efforts were recognized when she was awarded first-runner up at the institutional level—a testament to the relevance and clarity of her research beyond the laboratory.
Participation in the 3MT competition allowed Ms Nazo to grow as a science communicator, honing her ability to translate complex, data-driven research into a compelling narrative that underscores real-world impact. The experience also strengthened her confidence in public speaking and reinforced the importance of making scientific research approachable to broader communities.
Ms Nazo expressed gratitude to her supervisors, colleagues, and the UFS-NGS Unit for their ongoing support, emphasizing that the experience has inspired her to continue sharing her work in forums where research can educate, inform, and inspire.
