Karen Pugliesi<\/strong> said the 3MRP finals were the highlight of the academic year for her.<\/p>\n\u201cThis is a celebration of the research and contributions of our graduate students,\u201d she said. \u201cImportantly, it\u2019s a recognition of the talent that we have the privilege to host as part of our university.\u201d<\/p>\n
Weymann\u2019s research, which also netted her a People\u2019s Choice Award, stems from a lifelong interest in what drives human behavior and the dopamine system. It is focused on making connections and developing hypotheses based on the limited available research on movement interventions.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat I wanted to convey in my 3MRP is that the impact of addiction is seen in our behaviors every day, and behaviors that are health-reducing impact motivation for other activities that are potentially more health-promoting,\u201d she said. \u201cSome common potentially health-reducing behaviors, which stimulate the same pathways as substance use disorders, are excessive internet, video game and cell phone use, as well as lifestyle choices such as diets high in processed sugar. Understanding the neurobiology of addiction and how to rehabilitate the brain is a keystone to supporting the health of our society.\u201d<\/p>\n
In continuing this research, Weymann\u2019s hope is to collaborate with other C-CART scholars and a local organization that supports people who are overcoming substance abuse disorders to determine what needs exist in this population and if people would be open to movement-based interventions.<\/p>\n
The judges were: Sharon Singer Doctor<\/strong>, director of student life experience in Indigenous Student Success; John Doherty<\/strong>; head of teaching, learning and research services in Cline Library; Mahendra Joshi<\/strong>, MBA graduate coordinator in The W. A. Franke College of Business; General Counsel Michelle Parker<\/strong>; Egbert Schwartz<\/strong>, professor of biological sciences; Gina Kaiser Vance<\/strong>, associate vice provost of NAU Online; and Jessica Wood<\/strong>, associate chair of the Department of Global Languages and Cultures.<\/p>\n
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Weymann was the winner of NAU\u2019s ninth annual 3-Minute Research Presentations (3MRP). This international program challenges graduate students to describe their work to a non-expert audience with a severe time limit, helping them to focus on what is most important and communicating their work in an approachable way. It is planned and sponsored each year by the Graduate College.<\/p>\n