Katrina Abuabara
Stanford University
Major: Human Biology (BA)

Sociology (MA)

Year expecting to complete program:

co-terminal graduation date - 12/2001

Project: Social Inequalities and Health Research Project

I applied to the program with the hope that this summer would enable me to learn more about the field of public health and help me to make a better-informed decision about applying to graduate school. I believe that the seminars with faculty and interaction with graduate students in many departments will be invaluable in helping to make my future career decisions.

Mentor: Stephen Gortmaker, Ph.D.
Senior Lecturer on Sociology
Department of Health and Social Behavior

Project: Planet Health Surveying Facilities for Play Across Boston - Collaboration for Youth Physical Activity

I have been working in a psychology research lab at UW-Madison for two years. The focus of my research has been on students' procedural and conceptual understanding of algebra. Knowledge acquisition has always been of interest to me, but I've also had an interest in the health of individuals, particularly the health of children and minority populations. Therefore, I felt that Harvard's summer program would allow me to pursue my interest in public health.

Before beginning the program, I had a very limited knowledge of public health, however, through this program, my knowledge of public health has increased. I have learned about the different concentrations in public health and about community-based research. The seminars, speakers, workshops,etc. have been extremely helpful. In addition, the project that I will be working on during the summer incorporates both my interests in the health of children and the health of minority populations. Having the opportunity to participating in this program has solidified my decision to pursue a career in public health.

Mentor: Karen Emmons, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Health and Social Behavior

Project: Treatment for tobacco users in lower income neighborhoods

Melody Goodman
SUNY, at Stony Brook
Major: Applied Mathematics

Mentor: Marcello Pagano, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Biostatistics

Project goal: to analyze birth certificate data from the NCHS to determine association between lower income neighborhoods and premature and high-risk infants

I have always had an interest in health professions, in fact when I began my undergraduate career I was a pre-med student. Although I did very well in my classes, I knew that becoming a Medical Doctor wasn't exactly what I wanted to do. By the end of my Sophomore year of college, I switched my major to Applied Mathematics and Statistics. I enjoyed my classes and did very well in them. I previously participated in a fellowship which helped me to see that there were aspects of health and medicine that I enjoyed but my dislike for the pre-med track made me stray away from the health professions all together. I picked up economics as a second major and upon graduation form undergraduate school went to work on Wall Street for two years. Although I loved the fast pace of the wall street life, I knew that I did not want to make a lifelong career as an Investment Banker. I wanted to help people, I wanted a job where I could make a difference. There had to be a way that I could combine by love for mathematics and my interest in the health sciences.

Summer Intership programs such as this, give students the opportunity to see that there is more out there than what is defined by undergraduate majors. It helps students figure out exactly what they want to do and helps them make informed decisions about graduate school and potential careers.

Mentor: Betsy Barbeau,Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Health and Social Behavior

Project: "An Evidence-Based Critique of the Master Settlement's Restrictions on Tobacco Industry Advertising and Promotion."

As a intern in the summer program, I have been afforded great opportunities like learning realistic ways to conduct community based research. I have also been able to talk with students who are already enrolled in the program here at Harvard. This allows me to get realistic feedback on the application process, diversity within the program, and life as a graduate student.

Mentor: Karen Peterson, Sc.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Maternal and Child
Health and Nutrition

Project Name: "Just for You": Improve dietary and activity patterns among low-Income postpartum women.

I looked at the recruitment and retention strategies along with non-respondent characteristics and predictor outcome variables. I am a part of the evaluation team. My mentor has a wonderful personality. Our personalities complement one another very well; therefore we have been able to work well together. I have a great work environment. The staff is friendly, accommodating and helpful. She and the rest of the project team understand that I need to gain as much experience as possible and meet personal academic-related goals. I have been able to work in the office and in the field which is working out great for them and me since they need another field researcher. I am able to practice my Spanish since most of the women being recruited are Hispanic. Through my mentor I plan to receive resources and guidance on my career path.