Written by Elijah Harris; BA candidate, Brown University; and the James A. Harding Scholar in the Institute for Public Health Summer Research Program
Just over three weeks in and the Summer Research Program has already been so impactful, not just on my educational and career journey, but also my personal growth.
I am currently a rising junior at Brown studying Public Health and Judaic Studies on the pre-law track. Through my public health classes I have developed a keen passion for health law, access to health care, and eliminating health disparities. I really appreciate how broad the field of public health is, which sparked my interest in attending the Public and Global Health Track of the Summer Research Program.
Working with Timothy McBride, PhD, my project this summer is analyzing the disparities and effects of Medicaid expansion in Missouri. Medicaid is a joint state and federal program that grants health insurance to families, adults, children, seniors, persons with disabilities, etc. Every state has different criteria for being eligible, but it generally comes down to being under a certain income limit.
Missouri was one of three states to expand Medicaid eligibility during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this meant that anyone who was on the cusp of qualifying for Medicaid, with the expansion, could not be dropped during the public health emergency (COVID-19). In March of 2023, the public health emergency ended, and this meant that a lot of people would no longer be eligible for Medicaid in Missouri. My work is looking at the new data with Medicaid enrollment here in Missouri. I am so excited to be working on this project because Medicaid is a key component of our healthcare system when it comes to health insurance/coverage.
Being here in St. Louis is also my first time living far away from home and it is my first time in the Midwest! On my flight over here I was extremely nervous, but after settling in and meeting everyone in the cohort those nerves quickly went away. It’s been so nice and inspiring getting to know everyone else’s passion for public health, medicine, etc. I have also had so much fun exploring the city of St. Louis with my peers. Whether it’s going to Shakespeare in the Park, a Cardinals game, or just trying local food spots, I have had the best time making memories. I am eager to continue my research and have fun spending time here with everyone!