Written by Kim Furlow, communications manager for the Institute for Public Health
To great success and appreciation by attendees, the Institute for Public Health Summer Research Program recently wrapped up two tracks, one in Public and Global Health (16 students), and the other in Aging and Neurological Diseases (14 students).
The annual Summer Research Program is open to students who seek challenge, research and experience, and the opportunity to explore and grow academically in a diverse environment. Each year, the Institute accepts participating students by application and the program runs between June and July. This year, more than 100 students from across the U.S. applied to participate.
Students benefitted from the wisdom and talents of 16 mentors in the Public and Global Health Track and 10 mentors in the Aging and Neurological Diseases Track, who guide students on research projects, lab and campus activities, and offer lectures and career advice.
The Institute for Public Health Summer Research Program—Public and Global Health Track was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from true heroes in healthcare. My confidence, efficiency, and ambition in global health have grown immensely thanks to the lessons this program taught me.
Participant in the Summer Research Program—Public and Global Health Track
Students in the Public & Global Health Track participated in online sessions focused on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and topics such as the environment, climate change, global infrastructure, and preparing for careers in public, global and pediatric health. Keynote speaker, Caline Matter, MD, associate professor of Infectious Diseases & Internal Medicine at WashU’s School of Medicine gave the talk, “North to South: From Divide to Partnership and Beyond”, reflecting on equal partnerships in health, historical trends affecting health globally, and the current landscape of public health priorities. Watch her talk.
Students heard from summer program alumni, participated in social events, and created blog posts on their project work and reflections on their program experience. A final symposium featuring student presentations on their research wrapped up the 2022 Public and Global Health Track.
In learning about the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals this summer, it really amazed me how contextually relevant public health is to the global challenges we’re facing today. This program invests in the next generation of public health leaders and I am so grateful to have been a part of it.
Participant in the Summer Research Program—Public and Global Health Track
The Summer Research Program and the Institute for Public Health said goodbye to two Washington University colleagues who, for many years, have been instrumental in facilitating a remarkable Summer Research Program – Public and Global Health Track: Ericka Hayes, MD, associate professor of pediatrics, who helped develop the SPRIGHT scholarship program, and Global Health Center Coordinator, Jeanie Bryant. Staff, faculty and students wished the two luck and all agree that Hayes and Bryant will be greatly missed.
The Summer Research Program—Public & Global Health Track is supported by: the Institute for Public Health; the Global Health Center; the Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine; Children’s Discovery Institute of Washington University and St. Louis Children’s Hospital; and the following donors: Centene Institute for Advanced Health Education, Stephanie and Chris Doerr, Janice and Mark Gold, James A. Harding, Genevieve and Carroll Ockert, and the Schilsky Family.
Students in the summer program’s Aging and Neurological Diseases Track attended seminars on topics such as aging, research ethics, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and stroke and Parkinson’s disease. They read and discussed the book, American Dementia, worked in labs, and connected with older adults and aging specialists at various St. Louis community organizations. Students also participated in community-related activities simulating the physical limitations of older adults and wrote blog posts about their program experiences. Read more about their activities.
One of the greatest takeaways I have gained is insight into what it means to age successfully, and how different that looks for every person.
Participant in the Summer Research Program—Aging and Neurological Diseases Track
The Aging and Neurological Diseases Track culminated in a poster session presented by students, who explained to visiting audience members their summer projects and research.
Aging and Neurological Diseases Track students, Cami Lowery, at left board, and Harsha Bollepalli, right, participate in the final poster session.
I will carry this experience with me as I move forward in my education and career, as well as life in general, to instill me with sympathy, patience, and a sense of purpose as I serve the aging population.
Participant in the Summer Research Program—Aging and Neurological Diseases Track
The Summer Research Program—Aging and Neurological Diseases Track is supported by a grant from the National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Stroke via the NIH Summer Research Education Experience Programs funding opportunity (PI: Carpenter, R25NS100133).