Joel Begay
Research Associate at Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health- Claim this Profile
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Spanish Professional working proficiency
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Bio
Credentials
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Certified Dermatology Tech
Association of Certified Dermatology TechsApr, 2015- Sep, 2024
Experience
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Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health
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United States
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Wellness and Fitness Services
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Research Associate
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Sep 2021 - Present
JHU Cancer Care Project• Manage project timelines, coordinate with community partners and providers, draft research protocols, and oversee data management and analysis for the JHU Cancer Care Project, an ongoing mixed methods study that aims to reduce disparities in cancer education, screening, access to high-quality treatment, and mortality/morbidity among American Indian patients and their families in some of the most rural, isolated and underserved areas of the US.• Funding Source: Brystol Myers Squibb Foundation, Ralph Lauren, and Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH)
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University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
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United States
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Stakeholder Advisory Panel Member
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Apr 2021 - Present
Serve on a panel of representatives from community, clinical, and public health settings, contributing to an ongoing mixed methods study. The stakeholder advisory panel contributes to the research by identifying regional prioritization, recruitment strategies, data collection materials, and interpretation of finds. The SAP also co-designs messages, materials, and distribution strategies for the research project.
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Data Manager & Analyst
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Jun 2019 - Aug 2021
Tribal Turning Point• Oversee data management and analysis for Tribal Turning Point, an ongoing randomized clinical trial that aims to prevent obesity and Type 2 Diabetes in American Indian Youth through diet and physical activity interventions.• Funding Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO)• Conduct longitudinal data analysis for the ECHO Project, a longitudinal cohort study that aims to investigate environmental exposures on child health and development.• Funding Source: Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health (NIH)
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University of Kansas Medical Center
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Community Advisory Board Member
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Jun 2019 - Present
Provide epidemiologic consultation to a community-based participatory research (CBPR) project of the Center for American Indian Community Health; and offer feedback on program development, implementation, and evaluation. Provide epidemiologic consultation to a community-based participatory research (CBPR) project of the Center for American Indian Community Health; and offer feedback on program development, implementation, and evaluation.
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Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board
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United States
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Wellness and Fitness Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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Tribal Researchers' Cancer Control Fellow
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Jun 2020 - May 2021
In collaboration with the NW Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH) and the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Prevention Research Center, Fellows will work with peer and career mentors to develop and implement cancer control projects, and will be supported to attend professional meetings to present their research findings. In collaboration with the NW Native American Research Centers for Health (NARCH) and the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) Prevention Research Center, Fellows will work with peer and career mentors to develop and implement cancer control projects, and will be supported to attend professional meetings to present their research findings.
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Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Epidemiology Center
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United States
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Non-profit Organizations
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1 - 100 Employee
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Program Coordinator
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Nov 2018 - May 2019
Saving Lives Project• Led a team of epidemiologists to coordinate across the tri-state area (MN, WI, and MI) to gain better insight and perspective into the Opioid Crisis affecting tribal communities.• Tracked program strategies and activities for Year 1 Evaluation Performance Measures, informed by the Year 1 Work Plan.• Met monthly with Program Officers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide updates (i.e., strengths and challenges) with the grant implementation.• Funding Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Good Health & Wellness in Indian Country• Led a team of program coordinators from five different tribal communities to develop and publish a culturally adapted cookbook, a collection of indigenous recipes from the region to promote healthy lifestyles and food sovereignty.• Funding Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
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Epidemiologist
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Aug 2018 - May 2019
Saving Lives Project• In its first year of funding (Year 1 of 5), I was instrumental in fostering collaborative partnerships with federal and state partners across the tri-state area (MN, WI, and MI) to develop a regional opioid surveillance system, informed by the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, state and county-level health departments, tribal law enforcement, and tribal clinics.• Funding Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Good Health & Wellness in Indian Country• In its last year of funding (Year 5 of 5), I provided epidemiologic consultation to tribal communities in the development and implementation of their community health assessments, including discussions on appropriate statistical analysis plans.• Funding Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
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Michigan Medicine
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United States
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Hospitals and Health Care
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700 & Above Employee
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Research Associate in the Department of Radiology
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May 2018 - Aug 2018
• Conducted statistical analyses using SAS 9.3 for the screening mammography database of American Indian women screened by the Mobile Women's Health Unit from 2013-2017.• Performed thorough data cleaning and data management on a two-level security system.• Currently performing manuscript preparation.
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Research Assistant in the Department of Neurology
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Nov 2016 - Apr 2018
• Conducted a literature review of 10 clinical trials for progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS) to assess the factors associated with trial design variability in relation to trial outcomes.• Compiled demographics, exposure and outcome information for each study population to investigate the impact of trial design and patient heterogeneity on identifying clinically effective therapies for progressive MS.• Investigated the use of gene expression profiles as biomarkers for SPMS to personalize treatment plans, and presented our findings at the Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies (FOCiS) annual meeting in June 2017.
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Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health
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United States
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Non-profit Organization Management
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1 - 100 Employee
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Ambassador
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Jul 2017 - Jun 2018
Nominated by the University of Michigan School of Public Health, I was a member of the Inaugural Cohort of Ambassadors, raising awareness about the field of public health by leading virtual events, taking over the TIPH social media accounts, and planning activities for K-16 students to grow interest in public health education and careers. Nominated by the University of Michigan School of Public Health, I was a member of the Inaugural Cohort of Ambassadors, raising awareness about the field of public health by leading virtual events, taking over the TIPH social media accounts, and planning activities for K-16 students to grow interest in public health education and careers.
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University of Nebraska Medical Center
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Cancer Epidemiology Education in Special Populations (CEESP) Fellow
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Jan 2017 - Apr 2018
• Reviewed 2000+ electronic medical charts to explore breast cancer screening mammography adherence among American Indian women in Great Plains Area who presented to a mobile mammography unit between 2013-17• Created and managed a clinical database on a two-level security system• Cleaned and analyzed data via SAS software to characterize the number of AI women who were adherent vs non-adherent• Funding Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI)
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University of Michigan
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United States
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Graduate/Professional DEI Student Advisory Board
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Oct 2016 - Apr 2018
Selected as 1 of 50 students from all graduate programs at the University of Michigan (UM), I represented the UM School of Public Health on the UM Graduate/Professional Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Student Advisory Board (DEISAB). In conjunction with the UM President’s Office, Provost’s Office, and Deans of Student Life, we provide student voice and input on the UM President's DEI Strategic Plan. Once a month, the Board meets to discuss projects, meet with third party consultants, and evaluate pilot programs that the UM President will unveil to the campus. My service as a board member has been learning how to navigate the infrastructure and bureaucracy of a large, decentralized public institution like UM.
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University of Michigan School of Public Health
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United States
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Higher Education
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300 - 400 Employee
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Admissions Ambassador
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Sep 2016 - Apr 2018
During the program, I was a graduate student and had the opportunity to share my enthusiasm and passion for public health research, practice, and student life at Michigan. I found my work not only benefiting Michigan Public Health, but also to others by spreading awareness about the impact public health can have on our local and global communities. During the program, I was a graduate student and had the opportunity to share my enthusiasm and passion for public health research, practice, and student life at Michigan. I found my work not only benefiting Michigan Public Health, but also to others by spreading awareness about the impact public health can have on our local and global communities.
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Mountain Regional Advisor
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Sep 2015 - Aug 2016
Served on the Association's Alumni Council to develop policy statements and strategic direction, while providing meaningful resources for Gates Scholars and Alumni in the Mountain Region (CO, WY, MT, ID). Served on the Association's Alumni Council to develop policy statements and strategic direction, while providing meaningful resources for Gates Scholars and Alumni in the Mountain Region (CO, WY, MT, ID).
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Vanguard Skin Specialists
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United States
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Medical Practices
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1 - 100 Employee
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Medical Assistant
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Sep 2014 - May 2016
Worked with a team of Medical Assistants to support medical providers in an outpatient setting, preparing patients for a variety of clinical visits, from full body skin examinations to surgical procedures. Contributed to a positive patient experience while gaining insight on how to navigate patient expectations and patient sensitivity. Worked with a team of Medical Assistants to support medical providers in an outpatient setting, preparing patients for a variety of clinical visits, from full body skin examinations to surgical procedures. Contributed to a positive patient experience while gaining insight on how to navigate patient expectations and patient sensitivity.
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University of Utah Health Hospitals and Clinics
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United States
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Medical Practices
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1 - 100 Employee
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Research Assistant
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May 2014 - Aug 2014
• Recruited, screened, and consented patients for study enrollment. Administered questionnaires and spirometry tests to assess pulmonary function. • Collected and processed biospecimens for biomarker assessment to understand the effects of air pollution on patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.• Analyzed, interpreted, and presented our findings at the 2014 SACNAS National Conference in Los Angeles, CA. • Recruited, screened, and consented patients for study enrollment. Administered questionnaires and spirometry tests to assess pulmonary function. • Collected and processed biospecimens for biomarker assessment to understand the effects of air pollution on patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.• Analyzed, interpreted, and presented our findings at the 2014 SACNAS National Conference in Los Angeles, CA.
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University of Utah School of Medicine
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United States
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Program Assistant
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Apr 2014 - Aug 2014
• Created a course entitled "Public Health Issues in Native American Populations". The course was structured around the Top Ten Leading Causes of Death among Native Americans• The course has 20 undergraduate interns enrolled who are all seeking health professions• Strengthened the alumni network through collaborative effort with local alumni • Coordinated the community engagement component for the 20 interns participating in the Native American Research Internship • Created a course entitled "Public Health Issues in Native American Populations". The course was structured around the Top Ten Leading Causes of Death among Native Americans• The course has 20 undergraduate interns enrolled who are all seeking health professions• Strengthened the alumni network through collaborative effort with local alumni • Coordinated the community engagement component for the 20 interns participating in the Native American Research Internship
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Colorado College
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United States
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Student Trustee
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Jul 2013 - Jun 2014
The inaugural year of the Student Trustee Position was 2012-2013. Selected as the Colorado College Student Trustee following a two-part selection process that involved a general election with students and also an interview with members of the Colorado College Board of Trustees, I provided student input at Board Meetings, retreats, and in conference calls. During the position's infancy, I served on the Investment Committee and Library Renovation Special Project Team. By listening to student feedback from town halls, I raised important student issues (i.e. divestment) and initiated conversations with respect to the short- and long-term financial goals of the College. I communicated and collaborated with key administrators to implement student objectives and initiatives.
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Admission Fellow
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Aug 2013 - May 2014
Following a two-part selection process involving an application and several interviews with the Colorado College Admissions Office, I was selected to serve as 1 of 14 Admissions Fellows during my senior year. I hosted information sessions and guided tours for students and their families. Per my request, I coordinated and managed many events for Multicultural Open Houses. For example, I organized fairs for visiting students by ensuring a diverse representation of student organizations ranging from athletics, identity groups, Greek Life, and professional student groups. Most notably, I interviewed applicants and wrote formal evaluations used by the admissions committee. As fellows, we sought the next class of Colorado College Tigers.
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Research Assistant
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May 2013 - Aug 2013
In collaboration with Dr. Mary Beth Scholand in the Lung Health Research Center at the University of Utah Hospital, I investigated telomere lengths of patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). I observed the consenting of patients, helped collect patient medical history, assisted in biospecimen collection and prepared biospecimens for genetic analysis. Upon processing, I analyzed, interpreted, and presented the findings at the 2013 SACNAS National Conference. In collaboration with Dr. Mary Beth Scholand in the Lung Health Research Center at the University of Utah Hospital, I investigated telomere lengths of patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). I observed the consenting of patients, helped collect patient medical history, assisted in biospecimen collection and prepared biospecimens for genetic analysis. Upon processing, I analyzed, interpreted, and presented the findings at the 2013 SACNAS National Conference.
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Residential Advisor
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Aug 2012 - May 2013
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Harvard Medical School
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United States
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Research Assistant
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Jun 2012 - Aug 2012
Selected as one of nine Four Directions Summer Research Program (FDSRP) Scholars nationwide, I investigated the role of mechanical environments in Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) cells by working closely with Dr. Laura Fredenburgh in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care at Brigham & Women's Hospital. We performed lab techniques and experiments to analyze cell proliferation by modifying the architectures of the cell; we also adjusted the environment on which the cells were incubated. Aside from research, we discussed the health status of our native communities and potential mechanisms of closing the existing gap as aspiring health professionals. To conclude the eight-weeks, I presented our findings to Harvard Medical School faculty with an oral presentation. FDSRP exposed me to the balance of research and practice.
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Bridge Mentor
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Aug 2011 - May 2012
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Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
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United States
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Philanthropic Fundraising Services
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200 - 300 Employee
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SMDEP Scholar
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Jun 2011 - Jul 2011
Funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP) is a six-week summer academic enrichment program hosted at the University of Louisville. As 1 of 80 SMDEP scholars, I lived near the medical campus and explored dentistry and medicine as a potential profession while taking a three-credit hour course titled "Introduction to Fundamentals of Biomedical Sciences.” Additionally, I shadowed physicians in cardiology, emergency medicine, neurology, and in pediatrics. I participated in patient scenarios at the Standardized Patient Center and Simulation Labs, with hands-on experiences in mock pharmacies and compounding labs. The summer allowed me to explore the health professions, but SMDEP confirmed my interest in medicine.UPDATE: The SMDEP Program is now known as the Summer Health Professions Education Program.
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Library Assistant
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Sep 2010 - May 2011
Assisted student and public patrons in the library. Assisted student and public patrons in the library.
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Education
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2016 - 2018
University of Michigan
Master of Public Health (MPH), Hospital & Molecular Epidemiology -
2016 - 2018
University of Michigan School of Public Health
Graduate Certificate, Health Care Infection Prevention & Control -
2010 - 2014
Colorado College
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Biochemistry -
2006 - 2010
Bosque School
High School Diploma
Community
