3MT Winner Spotlight | Cheryl Einhorn

“I chose Hood because I wanted a small, in-person program where I could connect with students and faculty.”

Q&A

Program

Counseling, Clinical Mental Health (M.S.)

Department

Psychology & Counseling

Graduate School
Graduate Student

Awards
Counseling, Care & Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Behavior Graduate Programs
Graduate School
Graduate Student
Research

05/06/2026

Cheryl Einhorn is a graduate counseling student at Hood College who won first place in the Three-Minute Thesis competition for work exploring delays in bipolar disorder diagnosis. Through her studies, she is developing strong research and communication skills while preparing for a career in mental health counseling.

You can view her award winning 3MT presentation here:

Congratulations on winning first place in the Three-Minute Thesis competition! Can you tell us a bit about your research and what inspired you to explore this topic?

For one of my classes, I read a book called I’m Telling the Truth, But I’m Lying. It’s a memoir written by a woman who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her late 20s. She describes the challenges of living with a severe mood disorder since her childhood. What struck me as I was reading her story is how long it took for her to get a diagnosis. I learned that the average delay in diagnosing bipolar disorder is 10 years. This is what inspired my research for the 3MT competition. I wanted to know what factors were causing this delay and what were some potential solutions to shorten it.

What was the experience of preparing for and presenting in the 3MT competition like, especially having to communicate your work so clearly in just three minutes?

I enjoyed the challenge of turning my research into an engaging three-minute presentation. It’s not a lot of time, so I needed to focus on the information that I felt was most important and compelling. I was nervous about the actual presentation, but I think a lot of the competitors were probably feeling like that. I gained confidence as I listened to the competitors ahead of me successfully share their research.

What drew you to pursue your counseling studies at Hood College, and how has your experience in the program been so far?

I chose Hood because I wanted a small, in-person program where I could connect with students and faculty. So far, it has lived up to my expectations. I have a long drive to campus, and the students and faculty make the trip worthwhile.

How has Hood College supported you in developing your research, presentation skills and confidence as a graduate student?

I had never taken a research class before coming to Hood College. Our required research class, which I took last spring, was extremely challenging. I learned a tremendous amount and have used those skills in every class since then.

Are there any professors, mentors or experiences at Hood College that played a key role in helping you succeed in the 3MT competition?

My professors have always encouraged us to take advantage of learning opportunities outside the classroom. They are very supportive of any initiatives we pursue. What I’ve found most inspiring throughout this program, however, are my peers. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by curious, engaged and compassionate students. Learning with and from them has contributed to my success.

What advice would you give to other students who may be interested in participating in research competitions or presenting their work in the future?

Start talking about your research with friends and family. Their reactions and questions can help you focus your work into a clear and interesting presentation. Then practice out loud or record yourself on video. The research you did is important. Sharing it with others can make it even more meaningful.

Inspired by Cheryl’s story? Ready to #GOFURTHER in your career? Learn more about Hood College's graduate programs, including counseling.