Augustina Mushale
 

Name:
Augustina Mushale

​Program and Degree: 
Nursing Science and Haalth-Care Leadership, Master's, 2nd Year

Research Interests: 
Military Culture and Healthcare

Grad Slam Presentation Title:
Military Culture and Healthcare

What initially attracted you to your field of study?
I am a retired Air Force Nurse with 13 years of military service who struggled with the hidden barriers of the military culture. Firsthand, I experienced the benefits of a civilian healthcare provider who had a basic knowledge of the military culture. I understand how this experience was beneficial to the way I received health care in the civilian sector. I decided to explore nurses' knowledge of the military culture since they are the frontline healthcare providers who can make a difference in veterans' lives.

How would you describe your presentation style?
I presented my thesis like a storyteller.

What was the biggest challenge you faced in developing your presentation?
My biggest challenge was the ability to adhere to my script while maintaining a 3-minute challenge. I lost my train of thought but bounced back quickly to keep up with the presentation.

Other than your own, which presentation in your Qualifying Round time slot impressed you the most?
The presentation by (fellow finalist) Tooka Zokaie was very impressive. She was very eloquent and confident in her presentation style.

Aside from your graduate research, what are your other passions or hobbies?
I love to sing gospel songs and teach an elementary class in Sunday School at my church.

Are you #TeamAugustina?
Cheer her on at the April 5 UC Davis Grad Slam Finals. The event is free and open to the public, but seats are limited so reserve your ticket via Eventbrite today.

About Grad Slam

UC Grad Slam is an annual contest in which master’s and Ph.D. students across UC campuses – in disciplines ranging from hard sciences to humanities – compete to sum up their research for a general audience. Students should present the significance and fundamental points of their work at UC Davis in a clear, direct, and interesting manner.

Participants are judged on how well they engage the audience, how clearly they communicate key concepts and how effectively they focus and present their ideas—all in three minutes or less.

Grad Slam contests are held on each of UC’s 10 campuses from February through May. The first place winners from each campus will square off to capture the systemwide title and their share of $10,000 in prize money.

For more information on the competition, visit grad.ucdavis.edu/gradslam.