I planned, coordinated, and ran the first student-led meeting to gather feedback on the MPH student body’s experiences and thoughts on the MPH program and curriculum. I created an open forum for discussion through a series of guided questions. Responses were organized and reported to the program director and primary instructional faculty to provide them with insight from student perspectives. Future student town halls will be conducted following the success of the initial meeting.

I prep charts, take vitals, administer injections, draw blood, scribe during appointments, assist with medical procedures, answer patient questions through the web portal and phone, handle lab tests, send referrals to other medical practices, and complete prior authorizations through Cover My Meds. I have direct experience with patient care as well as with a multitude of chronic diseases, treatment plans, different lab work and diagnostic testing, medications, diets, and at-home exercises. In addition to my daily responsibilities, I conducted a practicum on risk factors and lifestyle choices to address health literacy for diabetic patients within the Athens, GA community to improve their ability to make better informed health decisions. My study involved data collection and analysis, a SWOT analysis, a poster on Social Determinants of Health, and a Diabetes Self-Management and Educational packet and informational video for a health literacy campaign.

I used a blend of personal experience, educational background, creativity, and research to write tour scripts as well as lead engaging tours of the exhibit galleries. I created games as an icebreaker tool to encourage active participation of tour attendees. I conducted archival research, public speaking, and community outreach programs. I completed specialty training for the Reading Room to ensure proper handling of rare books and manuscripts. I assisted in the execution of special events highlighting prominent members of the community such as politicians, artists, authors, musicians, and educators. My responsibilities included event set up, greeting guests, and overseeing concessions. Additionally, I had the opportunity to create an exhibit as a part of the Timeline Wall for the Peabody Awards.

I learned about the South African healthcare system through guest lectures, tours of healthcare facilities, and shadowing opportunities with clinicians. This study abroad required me to complete research papers and projects for a Topics in Biology course. I earned a total of 21 hours shadowing medical professionals at Brooklyn Chest Hospital, a hospital specializing in Tuberculosis, as well as shadowing in impoverished townships with Living Hope, a non-profit organization. This exposed me to healthcare barriers, such as food insecurity and access to health services, that impacts the quality of life of patients with chronic disease, disabilities, substance abuse, and injuries resulting from violence. I also volunteered with the Cooking Mamas Program to cook and provide food to the community members of Masiphumelele. This experience changed my perspective on healthcare and how I could make an impact to improve underrepresented populations leading me to pursue my MPH with a Global Health Concentration.

I accessioned the bones and skins of carnivores within the mammalogy collections in the Museum Annex. I entered specimen information into the museum booklet and online database and stored them with the museum collections. I relocated the carnivores in the teaching collection. I was trained in accessioning the fish collections. I completed training on chemical safety and proper use of company vehicles for transporting specimens. Additionally, I refilled the genetic material jars. I created and managed social media content for the museum accounts. I worked on Instagram posts highlighting national and international holidays pertaining to animals. I made Canva graphics and took photos of animal bones, skins, and jars in the Annex. Each post was accompanied by a brief write up and facts about the holiday and the animal that was highlighted.

I monitored the mobile COVID-19 testing hotline, answered phone calls, and healthcare questions. I pre-screened potential COVID-19 positive patients who were requesting on-site COVID-19 testing due to homelessness, lack of transportation, or other barriers to care. I completed the intake of demographic information for these individuals, discussed their exposure, recorded their symptoms, and communicated with the doctors in order to coordinate an in-home or on-site test from the mobile unit.