Salma Bafagih, Master of Health Sciences student (Community, Public and Population Health) at Ontario Tech University, with her supervisor Dr. JoAnne Arcand, Associate Professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, at the 3MT® National Showcase held during the Canadian Association for Graduate Studies Conference in Ottawa, Ontario.

Food beyond the plate

When Salma Bafagih talks about food, she doesn't just mean what's on the plate. She's thinking about culture, community, health and the systems that shape how Canadians make everyday food choices.

A master's student in the Faculty of Health Sciences (FHSc) at Ontario Tech University, Bafagih brought her research on food literacy to national audiences through the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition. Her presentation, What's on your plate? Examining predictors of food literacy among Canadian adults, earned first place at Ontario Tech's 3MT® competition in 2025 and a second-place finish at the provincial level. Recently, she went on to present at the 2025 National 3MT® Showcase in Ottawa during the Canadian Association for Graduate Studies Conference.

Roots of a research journey

Her research journey began much closer to home.

"I come from a culture that loves food," Bafagih says. "The entire cooking process is something that is so important to me and my family."

Her lived experience, combined with years of volunteering, sparked her interest in public health and nutrition. She saw firsthand how often families struggled to navigate grocery stores, adapt cultural recipes, or manage chronic conditions through diet.

Exploring food literacy

These observations became the foundation of her master's research. Bafagih's work explores food literacy — the knowledge, skills and practices that influence food choices — and how it is shaped not only by individuals but also by broader social, industry, and policy factors.

"I was shocked to discover just how under-researched food literacy is in Canada," Bafagih says. "I recognize my research is a small but crucial step in the right direction."

Supportive learning and mentorship

A commitment to real-world impact defines Bafagih's experience at Ontario Tech. Through her studies and lab work, she has developed practical skills beyond the classroom including critical thinking, collaboration, adaptability, and confidence.

Her time in Dr. Arcand's lab was filled with mentorship and teamwork, with regular meetings that encouraged open feedback, shared learning and peer support. This supportive environment ultimately gave her the confidence to participate in the 3MT® competition, a challenge she initially found intimidating.

Communicating research with impact

Condensing nearly a year of research into a three-minute presentation pushed Bafagih to rethink how she communicates complex ideas. Presenting at the national showcase in Ottawa further expanded her perspective on scholarly communication and networking. Surrounded by graduate students from across the country, Bafagih saw how creative and impactful research storytelling can be, and how genuine conversations can turn into meaningful professional connections.

Looking ahead

Looking ahead, she sees her work as a foundation for future innovation and policy change, particularly for underserved and under-researched populations.

For Bafagih, the recognition she's received is both affirming and motivating.

"I've come to realize that the only person holding me back from trying new and intimidating things is myself," she says. "This recognition is not just a reminder of how far I've come; it inspires me to believe in how much further I can go."