Ashley Cranney, Sport and Exercise Psychology graduate student and doctoral candidate,earned the People’s Choice award in the 3-Minute Thesis competition recently held on campus. Cranney presented her research, titled “How far is too far? Understanding identity and overconformity in collegiate wrestlers,” April 7 at the Mountainlair.
Cranney was interested in the competition because the focus allowed students to hone their competences. “The competition was more about the student’s communication skills to effectively convey their research to a non-specified audience,” she explained.
Cranney said that her professors encouraged her to enter the event. Without their support, she would not have the confidence to enter. “Dr. Watson encouraged me to enter. I likely would not have, had he not supported my submission,” she said.
Throughout the event, Cranney thanked WVU and CPASS for the wealth of knowledge she attained. “I don’t think there’s enough space here to discuss all of the ways WVU has helped me excel in my field. Throughout my time here, I have been given opportunities to expand my knowledge base of sport and exercise psychology, as well as counseling.
“Doing so has allowed me to become a more effective teacher, consultant and researcher. The number of opportunities I have been given to expand myself professionally span beyond what I could have asked for. I’ve been given opportunities to teach and develop undergraduate classes, which has enhanced my passion for teaching and expanded my skill set as a teacher,” Cranney said.
Cranney appreciates the encouragement. “The support that I’ve received from faculty and students is remarkable. Beyond the networking I’ve benefited from, I cannot imagine a program that more purposefully and passionately prepares its students for life beyond the PhD. I am forever grateful for my experience at WVU, and CPASS, especially,” Cranney concluded.
The WVU-sponsored competition allowed students to discuss their research topics within a three minute time frame. A panel of judges evaluated the presentations and disqualified students who exceeded the time limit.