A thesis defense is a formal event where a graduate student presents their research findings to a committee of faculty members. This presentation typically includes an overview of the research question, methodology, results, and conclusions. The purpose is to demonstrate the student's understanding of their work and its significance within their field of study. During the defense, committee members, often referred to as the thesis committee, ask questions to evaluate the student's knowledge and critical thinking skills. The student must defend their research choices and address any concerns raised by the committee, ultimately leading to a decision on whether the thesis meets the required standards for graduation.