The fearless five: Paola Reale, Gwendolyn Bellinger, Kaflina Kamalul, Theresa Symons and Charulatha Pitigala
Written by: Sharon A. Bong (SASS Graduate Research Director)
Presenting what must feel like one’s lifework in three minutes is daunting by any measure. Yet, for our fearless five, it was “rewarding”, “a confidence booster” and “a wonderful opportunity”. Survivors of this “significant challenge”, tell their stories: “This competition was rewarding as it forced me to rethink my research as a story, one that can engage and be shared with anyone. It’s helped remind me why my work is important and what it is I am really working for!” says Gwendolyn Bellinger, winner of the SASS-level 3MT competition that was held on 19 April 2024.
For Theresa Symons who was runner-up and winner of the People’s Choice award, participating in the 3MT “validated [her] decision to embark on this PhD journey” as one who had left a regional leadership position to take up the PhD full-time.
The event fostered community-building as Charulatha Pitigala adds that, “It was also a refreshing change to see my peers’ presentations and how each of them individually approached it in their own unique and engaging way”. For Paola Reale, the collegiality was paramount as “SASS people make us always feel at home”. In that regard, we thank the judges – Drs Tan Meng Yoe, Azliyana Azhari and Raksha Pandya-Wood. And Kaflina Kamalul opines that the overall experience not only in performing but also prepping for that performance, taught her “that my thesis represents only a small fraction of the broader worldview”.
