Summer Undergraduate Research Program - Fred Hutchinson ...

Currently, I have been working with Dr. Cornell Gupta from the Office of
Epidemiology at the University of Michigan. In this capacity, I have been involved in a
research project aiming to increase awareness, prevention measures, and screening
compliance of cervical cancer among Hispanic women in Ingham County, Michigan; the
results of my research will be submitted for publication and presentation. This project in
particular has allowed me to participate in developing surveys for the study, the training
of lay community health workers (promotoras), the dissemination of cancer information
directly to the participants, collection of data and its analysis, and working with
accomplished doctors, and program planners.
Findings from this pilot study have the potential to direct the design for future
interventions determining to protect Hispanic women in local communities against
cervical cancer and decrease incidence rates of this disease among local populations. I
have also reviewed and analyzed publications on cervical and colorectal cancer to explore
and develop recommendations for future interventions and policy changes.
In addition to my research experience, I have been employed as an instructor for
the University of Michigan. Teaching gives me the opportunities to inspire, motivate, and
invigorate people in ways that have been imperative to my success as a student and as a
health researcher. I have taught both face-to-face and online courses, averaging 35
undergraduate students per class. As a compliment to my career in research, I plan to
continue teaching and eventually work as faculty for an institute of higher learning.
I have also served as President of the Alpha Omicron Chapter of Eta Sigma
Gamma National Health Education Honorary, President of the College of Health and
Social Services Council, Vice-President of the Master of Public Health Student
Organization and represented the MPH students as a member of the MPH Course
Selection Committee. These supplemental experiences in addition to my classroom
education and field experience have been the conduits to continuing to go further
academically and professionally. My goals are to use research and proactive interventions
to increase social justice and the reduction of social and health inequalities. My
experience to date and research plans for the future demonstrate a strong commitment to
understanding and improving chronic disease health disparities in the U.S., with an
emphasis on the health of communities of the northeast region. The Ph.D. program at the
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