I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been honored as a finalist in the University of Tennessee’s 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) competition! This opportunity is more than just a platform to speak about my research—it’s a chance to share meaningful insights on rural food deserts and the critical importance of food access in creating healthier communities.
For those unfamiliar with this type of competition, the 3MT competition is a research communication challenge developed by The University of Queensland. It’s designed to test a graduate student’s ability to distill the essence of their research into an engaging and approachable three-minute presentation. The task? No pressure: just explain years of work in a way that captivates a general audience, all while using a single, static slide as a visual aid. It’s not just about what you say, but how you say it, which means connecting with your audience and making your research memorable in just 180 seconds.
My research focuses on rural food deserts, exploring the intersection of food access, obesity reduction, and financial management strategies in rural Tennessee. This topic is close to my heart because it emphasizes that no one’s health should be defined by their zip code. In rural areas, access to affordable, nutritious food is often limited, and the ripple effects of this inequity are profound. Through the lens of my work, I hope to shine a spotlight on how we can build policy and community-driven solutions that promote health equity.
Being part of the 3MT competition has been a rewarding experience, pushing me to refine my message and make the complexities of public health approachable and engaging. I’m honored to share my research with a wider audience and excited about the impact that conversations sparked through this platform can have on our understanding of food access and rural health.
I’m grateful to the University and the judges for this opportunity and to the incredible mentors and community partners who have supported me throughout my research journey. Stay tuned for updates, and wish me luck!
