3MT Winner Spotlight | Amanda Wise

"The BMS program allowed me the flexibility and freedom to learn about the things I love for the joy of learning and expanding my skillset, with more opportunity for experimentation."

Amanda Wise, M.S. Biomedical Science

Program

Biomedical Science (M.S.)

Department

Biology

Graduate School
Graduate Student

Awards
Biomedical & Environmental Graduate Programs
Graduate School
Graduate Student

05/13/2024

Amanda Wise is a current graduate student in the biomedical science M.S. program at Hood College. Wise also works as a senior quality assurance specialist. Before Hood, Wise graduated from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor’s in biology.

This semester, she participated in the 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition and won first prize at the event. We spoke with Wise about her experiences in the graduate school, and what it was like to present her thesis at 3MT.

Could you briefly explain your career and educational background?

I received my bachelor’s in biology from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, and after graduation, I entered the world of biotechnology. I began my career as a quality control microbiologist and later transferred into quality assurance. My current job entails assessing production lots of clinical trial materials to ensure patient safety. I have been fortunate to witness the cutting edge of progress in the development of Ebola virus, West Nile virus, Chikungunya virus and HIV therapeutics or vaccines.

What drew you to Hood College?

Hood College is not only local to me as a Frederick resident, but it also drew me in based on the program offerings. When I was considering graduate school, I was split between pursing a degree in public health or a degree in biomedical science. I chose Hood College because the variety of science courses was very attractive to me as were the small class sizes and virtual options.

What interested you about the biomedical science (BMS) program?

The BMS program offers students the opportunity to tailor their coursework to their academic and professional goals. Biotechnology is a very regulated industry in order to ensure the health of the world’s citizens, but the restrictive environment can come at a cost.

It is more difficult to pursue knowledge for the sake of understanding, rather than a strict parameter-based approach. The BMS program allowed me the flexibility and freedom to learn about the things I love for the joy of learning and expanding my skillset, with more opportunity for experimentation. I have learned so much in this program and feel so much more confident in myself and my career.

Could you briefly describe the thesis you presented?

My thesis focuses on a specific human papillomavirus (HPV): HPV67.

HPV67 is related to extremely carcinogenic (cancer-causing) HPVs, but almost never causes cancer. I am seeking to understand what is different about HPV67 on a genetic level and to understand what sets it apart from carcinogenic HPVs.

What preparations did you do for the 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition?

I prepared for the 3MT in many different ways. I attended the practice session that Dean April Boulton set up. I brought a totally different slide to the practice session than the one I presented on the night of the competition thanks to the helpful feedback from Dean Boulton. I found previous 3MT winner presentations on the Hood website and watched those to try to understand what made for concise and exciting presentation.

Additionally, I typed out my entire talk and practiced speaking it out loud to grasp if the presentation had a good flow. Lastly, I tried to read my presentation with the mindset of a complete beginner and eliminated anything that was too technical and simplified concepts that were too complicated.

Overall, what was the competition like? Do you have any takeaways from it?

I have never attended a 3MT competition before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was relieved to find out I was the third person to present, as I was so nervous!

Once my talk was over, I was so glad to relax and be able to learn about all of the exciting research being done by my peers. My biggest takeaway from the night is that Hood has a cohort of dedicated, inspiring students who will be assets to their fields.

Would you have any advice for people interested in participating in the next 3MT Competition?

My advice would be to attend the practice session! Dean Boulton gives helpful tips about presenting and will give you feedback that can’t be missed. I would recommend practicing the presentation in the space you will present from, that way it doesn’t feel so foreign on the night of the competition.

My biggest tip is to tell the people who care about you that you are presenting. I was hesitant to invite anyone to the competition because I was so afraid that I would mess up. It turned out that having the support of my loved ones and my thesis adviser made me feel braver and more confident. They celebrated the success right along with me, and that felt as good as winning.

Are there any fun facts or trivia about yourself that you would like to share?

I enjoy reading and especially love reading books to my honorary niece, Addison. In my spare time you’ll find me hanging out with my boyfriend and my pets. My fantasy job is to be an astrobiologist and explore the potential for life on exoplanets.

Encouraged by Amanda’s success at the 3MT Competition? Ready to #GOFURTHER in your career? Learn more about Hood College’s graduate programs, such as biomedical science, by clicking here.