In the Media

A team of six graduate students from the University of Michigan placed second out of 31 teams from four continents in the Emory Morningside Global Health Case Competition, held in March. The interdisciplinary team of students represented the School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) and the School of Public Health (SPH). 

Nayomi Cawthorne (MS/MPH ’27), a dual-degree student specializing in Sustainability and Development at SEAS and Health Behavior and Health Equity at SPH, was one of the six students representing U-M. Cawthorne worked alongside Haja Dabo (MHSA ’26), Julidè Mayer (MPH ’26), Nikita Rohila (MPH ‘27), Fransisca Anozie (MPH ’26) and Sarah Olson (MPH ’26).

This annual case competition asks students to develop solutions to global health problems outlined in a case created at Emory University. This year’s case was set in Kifaru, a fictional country facing malnutrition caused by climate-related food insecurity and increased dependence on ultra-processed foods. Students were tasked with finding a solution that engaged the community and centered on pregnant people, infants and older adults. The teams were given $6 million and five years to improve the health outcomes for the climate-vulnerable country. 

The team’s solution was the R3 Initiative, based on an adaptable model that could respond to climate-related or health emergencies. R3 stands for Repair, Renew and Rebuild. The team integrated emergency food procurement, climate-adaptive farmer training programs, community dinners, land trusts, communications strategies and local governance for a solution that built the capacity for Kifaru residents to withstand future challenges. 

“This was an amazing experience for me as a dual-degree student to apply my knowledge at the intersection of climate change, food systems and public health,” says Cawthorne. “It was affirming to know that international development organizations are thinking about these issues. Working alongside fellow public health graduate students and bringing a critical sustainability lens to my studies was an incredible learning experience that integrated my studies across both disciplines. Sustainability scientists and public health professionals will need to work more closely over the coming years to address climate change and its multiple impacts on human health at a population level. 

“This opportunity helped me further prepare to develop realistic solutions to these emerging challenges! I’m grateful for all of the training I’ve received in both schools in collaboration and systems thinking that all of the students on the team brought to our teamwork.”