Alireza Mohammadzadeh Named Runner-Up at Pitt 3MT Competition

Alireza Mohammadzadeh, Bioengineering PhD candidate at the University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering, was named runner-up at the University's 2026 Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition. 

Mohammadzadeh competed among 12 finalists representing graduate programs from across the university. His presentation, "From Pollution to Clean Water," showcased his thesis research on the development of nanoscale lipid-based carriers for nitrogen fertilizers, a novel technology designed to reduce nutrient runoff and water pollution caused by conventional agricultural practices.

"Modern agriculture depends heavily on nitrogen fertilizers to sustain food production, yet much of that nitrogen is lost to the environment," Mohammadzadeh said. “Through my research, I want to move us toward a future where feeding the world does not have to come at the expense of clean water and environmental health.”

The 3MT® competition challenges graduate students of all disciplines to communicate their research to a general audience in just three minutes, using a single static slide. For Mohammadzadeh, the experience underscored the importance of science communication in his career. 

“The ability to clearly articulate the significance of my work is just as important as the research itself," Mohammadzadeh said. “In many ways, it is an exercise in both scientific storytelling and effective public speaking, and this skill is critical for my career, especially as I near the end of my doctoral studies and pursue a career focused on developing novel engineering technologies with real-world impact.”