From the dinner table to the national stage: Salma Bafagih on research, resilience and food literacy

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.

Her research journey, however, 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.

These observations became the foundation of her master’s research, conducted under the supervision of Dr. JoAnne Arcand, Associate Professor in the FHSc. 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, adding that other countries, like Australia, have invested heavily in this area of research. “I recognize my research is a small but crucial step in the right direction.”

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.

“I would not have participated in the 3MT® competitions if it wasn’t for the support of faculty and peers,” she said. “They motivated me to take risks and put my all into my 3MT®.”

Condensing nearly a year of research into a three-minute presentation pushed Bafagih to rethink how she communicates complex ideas. The experience strengthened her ability to explain her work clearly and authentically. 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, she sees her work as a foundation for future innovation and policy change, particularly for underserved and under-researched populations.

“When I see statistics representing these groups, I don’t see it as just a number,” she says. “I see people in my community. I genuinely hope that my research can inform future work so that we can ultimately support people and make healthy eating accessible.”

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.”

Ontario Tech’s 2026 3MT® competition is just around the corner, with heats on Wednesday, March 18 and finals on Thursday, March 19. It’s a great opportunity to see the creativity and impact of graduate research in action.

Learn more about this year’s event on the 3MT® website.

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