WKNC DJ wins three-minute thesis competition

Peter Harries, interim dean of the Graduate School, with WKNC DJ Ciera Cipriani, winner of the Three Minute Thesis Competition. Photo by Becky Kirkland.

Original article by Natalie Hampton, NC State Graduate School

A WKNC DJ earned top recognition Oct. 30 in the 2018 Three Minute Thesis competition, sponsored by the NC State Graduate School.

First place winner Ciera Cipriani is a master’s student in textile chemistry, whose presentation was titled, “Shapely Molecules Prevent Dying Dangers.” She talked about her research seeking dye molecules in fabric that don’t create toxic substances when they break down. As the sun fades the dye in some clothing, the fabrics release toxins. Cipriani’s research focuses on how to create dye molecules that don’t break down when exposed to sunlight.

Cipriani earned a bachelor’s degree from NC State in polymer and color chemistry in spring 2018. She joined the WKNC staff in fall 2014 during her first semester at NC State, now hosting “NO DUDES PWR HR” on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon.

Three Minute Thesis, an international competition, challenges graduate students to share their research in three minutes with one slide. The finalists were chosen during preliminary rounds held Sept. 25-27, and the event is part of NC State’s Red and White Week leading up to homecoming. The competition was held in the Duke Energy Center of Hunt Library.