FSU graduate students compete in first-ever op-ed essay competition

FSU’s Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards and The Graduate School recently held the inaugural Graduate Student Op-Ed Competition, with 36 students submitting essays based on their research.

The competition, funded by the Congress of Graduate Students (COGS), is an academic research writing competition that challenges graduate students to present their research and its significance to a general audience through a concise opinion piece, known as an op-ed.

“As our world and the problems it faces grow in complexity, we want to help FSU graduate students be leaders whose ideas can reach broad audiences, from fellow experts to policymakers to the public at large,” said Keith McCall, acting director of the Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards. “Op-eds are focused and accessible pieces of writing and a great way to hone communication skills and practice public engagement. We are thrilled with the participation in this inaugural competition and look forward to growing this initiative.”

The competition featured five named award winners and five honorable mentions.

Most Persuasive Op-Ed

“The Mask Fit Paradox: How Facial Diversity Affects Respiratory Health” by Akshay Anand, Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

Anand’s essay discussed how the effectiveness of face masks are related to the wearer’s unique facial features, as opposed to a standardized design created by advanced computer modeling. His research and op-ed convey the importance of the findings to public health policy and practice.

Originally from Jamui, India, Anand says he has found a second home in Tallahassee and the FAMU-FSU community and is grateful to those who have supported him.

“Receiving this award is a profound honor and a testament to the exceptional academic and research environment at Florida State University, which has fostered my growth and innovation,” Anand said. “I am deeply indebted to my advisor, Dr. Kourosh Shoele, and the entire FAMU-FSU College of Engineering community for their unwavering support, guidance and encouragement.”

Read Anand’s op-ed here.

Best Organized Op-Ed

“Broken Systems: The Urgency of Gun Reform and Mental Health in Schools” by Monica Mardones, Master’s in Social Work

Mardones’ op-ed discussed the Apalachee High School shooting and the ongoing problem of gun violence in U.S. schools, urging immediate action to protect children and prioritizing their safety.

Mardones, who hails from Bradenton, FL, said that she chose to attend FSU in part because of the university’s commitment to student success and opportunity.

“Winning this op-ed award is a big step outside my comfort zone and shows me I am capable of more than I realized,” she said. “It reinforces that my voice on important issues can make a difference. This recognition motivates me to continue speaking up and taking action for the changes we need.”

Read Mardones’ op-ed here.

Best Use of Evidence

“Preservation vs. Exploitation: Should We Archive Trauma?” by Zoe Hume, Ph.D. in Art Education

Hume, a Tallahassee native, wrote about the cultural heritage field’s ongoing struggle to preserve traumatic histories and the importance of including and honoring the communities affected by that history.

“As graduate students, we tend to become insulated in our academic circles and get used to writing for specialized audiences,” Hume said. “Winning this award is a deeply validating experience and has helped me build confidence in my ability to effectively write about important issues for people outside of the cultural heritage field.”

Read Hume’s op-ed here.

Best Explanation of Complicated Subject 

“A New Era for Prescribed Burns: Harnessing Predictive Tools for Better Fire Management” by Ritambhara “Rita” Dubey, Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

Dubey’s op-ed highlighted the importance of prescribed burns in land management and the challenges fire managers face, such as fuel moisture unpredictability and weather changes. The essay advocated for advanced predictive tools, like physics-based models, to improve fire behavior predictions and make prescribed burns safer and more effective.

Originally from Raipur in Chhattisgarh, Central India, Dubey said winning this award is an honor.

“The competition has really motivated me to make scientific research related to the environment, like my work, accessible and meaningful to everyone,” she said. “I want people to understand that combining ancient practices with scientific tools can help protect ecosystems and communities from the growing risks of wildfires.”

Read Dubey’s op-ed here.

Best Call to Action

“Eating for your brain: How diet can help fight Alzheimer’s” by Gwoncheol “Ian” Park, Ph.D. in Nutrition Science

Park’s essay explored the impact of the Mediterranean and ketogenic diets on reducing Alzheimer’s disease risk by improving gut microbiome health. The research highlighted that a modified Mediterranean diet enhances beneficial gut microbes, which in turn supports brain health and cognitive function.

Park, from Seoul, South Korea, chose to attend FSU because of the university’s rapidly growing research endeavors and commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.

“Winning this award validates my efforts to effectively communicate complex ideas and inspires me to refine these skills further for future presentations and conferences,” he said. “I hope people take away the understanding that what we eat today shapes our future health, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing diet and nutrition.”

Read Park’s op-ed here.

Honorable mentions include:

1. Emma Jensen, Ph.D. in Musicology, for “Willie Mae ‘Big Mama’ Thornton helped rock go fat—and it never went back”
2. Katherine Reid, Ph.D. in Public Administration & Policy, for “Terrorism in the Digital Age: From Screens to Action”
3. Gallage Ariyaratne, Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences, for “Breaking Barriers in Type 1 Diabetes: How Technology is Changing Lives”
4. Collins Awiaga, Ph.D. in Biology, for “Confronting the Silent Crisis of Snakebites with Innovative Research”
5. Adeline Doggett, Master’s in Public Administration, for “The Hidden Hunger: Uncovering Food Deserts and Their Impact on Public Health”

For more information about The Graduate School, visit gradschool.fsu.edu. To learn more about the Office of Graduate Fellowships and Awards, visit ogfa.fsu.edu.

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