UW-Platteville to host its first Pioneer Pitch: Master’s Showcase competition

Markee Pioneer Student Center

This spring, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville will host its first Pioneer Pitch: Master's Showcase competition. Inspired by the University of Queensland’s 3MT event, the competition is open to all graduate students completing a seminar, capstone or thesis course, and will give them the opportunity to share their exciting research and projects to a wider community. 

This competition is intended to be beneficial to both students and the general public alike. In order to participate, students must submit a three-minute video explaining their research, using language appropriate for a non-specialist audience. 

“UW-Platteville has robust graduate programs and talented graduate students that are often overshadowed by our strong undergraduate programs and research,” said Melissa Gavin, program manager for graduate and collaborative programs. “This competition allows graduate students to share their research and the UW-Platteville community to celebrate their great accomplishments.”  

Registration for this event is currently open, and video submissions will be accepted until April 15. Accepted entries will be shared online where anyone in the Platteville community may view them. On April 28, after judging each video entry, the competition committee will announce the first place and people’s choice winner live via a Zoom watch party. This online event will run from 3:30-4:30 p.m. CDT. Cash prizes will be awarded to each winner.

“Academic study has led to some of the most exciting innovations and achievements in history; however, findings are usually presented for an audience of academic peers rather than the public,” said Randy Mentz, administrative manager and competition committee head. “The live Zoom watch party is an opportunity for the public to hear directly from students about their findings during dynamic three-minute presentations. We hope everyone can attend.”

To learn more, visit the competition’s event page for additional information on video submission guidelines, prizes and registration.