Dorothy Toth Beasley '59 and Virginia Toth Palmer '61 Endowed Fund for Public Health

My research experience focused on community-centered and equitable access to diagnostic systems, particularly for HIV, diabetes, and Ebola .Because this is a long-term project that will continue beyond this year, being part of the team during its beginning stages gave me the opportunity to contribute to the early development of the research while also learning how a project like this takes shape over time.

This summer, I interned at the Seaway Valley Prevention Council (SVPC) in Ogdensburg, NY. In this role, I worked under multiple health promotion coalition and recovery center leaders in a mezzo-level social work practice setting. During these ten weeks, I had the opportunity to work with my home community and understand the challenge of substance use prevention and health promotion, as well as the ways in which to help individuals in recovery and to better understand the challenges they and their families face. 

During my internship at SHOFCO Mathare, I had the opportunity to work in various departments including antenatal care, child welfare, nutrition, family planning, social work, and the comprehensive care clinic. This hands-on experience allowed me to develop important clinical skills such as monitoring vital signs, supporting immunization programs, and participating in health education sessions.