National Public Health Week offered students at Brown's School of Public Health the opportunity to discuss the impact of their research projects and learn about the work of others.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] - While Public Health Research Day at Brown is typically referred to as a poster conference, the boards are basic backdrops to the real stars of the event: the student researchers.
On Tuesday, April 2, enthusiastic conversations among nearly 160 researchers spilled out of the open doors of Alumnae Hall as School of Public Health students gathered to discuss topics ranging from disparities in health care to the treatment of substance use to the impact of pollution on human health.
Public Health Research Day is part of National Public Health Week, which Brown celebrates every spring with opportunities that highlight the impact of the University's public health researchers. This year, the week includes in-person and online discussions led by faculty researchers, a documentary film screening and the launch of the latest issue of the Brown Undergraduate Journal of Public Health.
The poster conference is not only one of the most highly anticipated event of the week, but also of the entire year, said Ronald Aubert, senior associate dean for education and student services at the School of Public Health.
"Public Health Research Day is one of the highlights of the year for our entire public health community at Brown," Aubert said. "It recognizes the depth of commitment and excellence of our undergraduate, master's and doctoral students by demonstrating their integration of the knowledge obtained in the classroom, and its application to research. Our students practice their ability to clearly communicate science, which is an increasingly critical skill set in the 21st century, and an essential cornerstone of the educational experience at our School of Public Health."
While all participants have the opportunity to present their work and discuss ideas with colleagues, awards for outstanding undergraduate, master's and doctoral research posters will be announced at an event celebrating students, staff, community partners and faculty members on April 25.
Here's what four School of Public Health students shared about their research experience this year:
