Theatre Master's Student Wins 2026 Villanova Three Minute Thesis Competition

VILLANOVA, Pa. – Villanova University Theatre master's student Nastia Chulkova took first place in the University's Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition on February 20 in the Mullen Center for the Performing Arts for her presentation “'We Lived the Same F$*%ing Life': Inherited Behavior, Embodied Memory and Generational Trauma in Elliot, a Soldier’s Fugue."

Inspired by her own life as a third-generation teacher, Chulkova analyzed the play using performance theory to study how identity is transmitted subconsciously through everyday rituals, behaviors and movements.

Chulkova’s winning presentation has been submitted for consideration to participate in the Northeastern Association of Graduate Schools regional competition on Wednesday, April 26.

Villanova's 3MT Competition was hosted by the Center for Graduate Research and Education, and the 11 finalists represented graduate students from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the Villanova School of Business and the Charles Widger School of Law.

3MT is a competition for master’s and doctoral students to cultivate their academic, professional, presentation and research communication skills. To be successful, competitors must effectively explain their research in three minutes, in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.

The Villanova competition highlighted the diverse research interests of its graduate community and the skill with which its students can articulate their study of complex topics.

“3MT nurtures the research and professional culture among our graduate and law students and helps them to network across colleges," said Michael Westrate, PhD, Assistant Vice Provost for Graduate Research and Education and emcee for the event. "When I speak with alumni who have been through this program, they remember 3MT as one of the highlights of their time at Villanova. All of our contestants have found it to be an immensely rewarding experience, regardless of who wins the prizes. All of our contestants deserve kudos for putting in the time and effort to prepare for this competition. Very well done, all of you. Thank you to our distinguished judges; thank you to the fabulous team in the Mullen Center; and thanks to the fantastic team from the Grad Center. This event could not happen without all of you, and we really appreciate it.”

Mary Beth Murray, a PhD student in Nursing, took second place and won the People's Choice Award for her presentation, "Addressing the Silent Grief: A Yoga Intervention to Support Women in Infertility Treatment."

Judges for the event included:

• Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, University President
• Amanda Grannas, PhD, Vice Provost for Research, Chief Research Officer
• Andrew Lund, JD, Vice Dean, School of Law
• Manuel Nunez, Associate Dean, Graduate Programs, Villanova School of Business
• Christine Palus, PhD, Senior Vice Provost for Academics
• Mary Terhaar, PhD, RN, ANEF, FAAN, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing
• Emory Woodard, PhD, Dean of Graduate Studies, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences