Thinzar Htwe

Fulbright/University of Reading Award in Food Security

Thinzar graduated from Stanford University with a BS in Science, Technology, and Society (STS). Her research experience began in high school at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine studying cell mechanics and the Stanford Cardiovascular Institute understanding animal models for cardiothoracic research. Additionally, at the Stanford Surgeons Writing About Trauma (SWAT) Group, she published papers on pediatric and trauma medicine, and science literature.

She also studied abroad at the University of Oxford Magdalen College, completing a tutorial in Medical Anthropology and Osteoarchaeology. At the University of Reading, Thinzar will pursue an MSc in Nutrition and Food Science. Interest in food reformulation research of staples like bread and cured meat was sparked during her experience at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and University of Maryland Shock Trauma noticing a trend in marginalized patients being inflicted with diet-induced yet preventable illnesses. Her global travels indicated that nutrition disparities are a worldwide issue. At Reading, Thinzar will participate in the Food SEqual project and Fresh Street Initiative, combining research, community service, and local immersion.

Thinzar’s hobbies include collecting vintage Reader’s Digests, cooking, traveling, and fragrance collecting. She’s particularly interested in the art scene: Art Basel, the Smithsonian, the Architectural Biennale, and Technicolor films.