ECS researcher wins University 3 Minute Thesis 3MT® competition

Davide Zilli from Electronics and Computer Science (ECS) has been named the winner of the 2015 Three Minute Thesis competition (3MT®).

Using just one PowerPoint slide and no additional props or electronic media, postgraduate researcher Davide had just three minutes to present his research. Davide’s research is focused on looking for a critically endangered insect – the New Forest Cicada – using a smartphone app that he developed to track the Cicada’s high-pitched sound.

Speaking about his research, Davide said, “In the future this app has great potential to be extended to other species such as bats and birds or even elephants and rhinos. Eventually I would like to apply everything I have learnt to supporting developing countries through work in charities or non-governmental organisations. Phones and smartphones have a huge market in developing countries, and with these platforms the possibilities are endless.â€?

Davide is completing a PhD in the Institute for Complex Systems Simulation. He is the second researcher from the Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering to win the University 3MT competition. In 2014, Physics student Paul Gow took the prize for presenting his research into 'Emitters for Terahertz'.

Berit Plumhoff from the Faculty of Engineering and the Environment was awarded second place with her research entitled: ‘You are what your Mother Eats’. Meanwhile, the People’s Choice award went to Alan Morris from the Faculty of Medicine for his engaging presentation on beating Alzheimer’s disease.

Davide, Berit and Alan will all be awarded with bursaries to support their research. Davide, as grand champion, will represent the University at the national 3MT® competition later this year in Manchester.