Veronica Remmert, completing a BDP in Social Inequality, Health & Policy with an emphasis in Public Health, conducted research focused on the health needs of four communities in rural Puebla, Mexico and created an inventory of health resources in each community. As a winner of the President’s Award for Global Learning, her research will be used to inform a comprehensive needs assessment for each community, which will be implemented this summer.
"This Connecting Experience made me consider how I want to integrate public health and social determinants of health into my future career. Through this experience, I know that I want to continue to work in the public health field."
Veronica conducted research focused on the health needs of four communities in rural Puebla, Mexico and created an inventory of health resources in each community. As a winner of the President’s Award for Global Learning, her research will be used to inform a comprehensive needs assessment for each community, which will be implemented this summer.
Please describe your project and how you came up with the idea.
During this research experience, I was able to study social determinants of health in Mexico and gather health related information in order to inform further research into why these inequities exist and persist in these low-income communities in Puebla. I met my faculty mentor through the President’s Award for Global Learning. This research project was born from a need to collect background information to further our knowledge about social inequality in health in Mexico.
What was the most rewarding aspect of your Connecting Experience?
The most rewarding aspect has been learning and becoming so passionate about this specific project. I have also had the pleasure of working with faculty who are world-leaders in their research about health and housing in Mexico and Texas, and that has been extremely fruitful. Lastly, my team was the recipient of the President’s Award for Global Learning and we will be implementing a comprehensive needs assessment in Mexico. I am excited to continue learning about health and inequity in Mexico.
In what ways has this Connecting Experience shaped your plans for the future?
This Connecting Experience made me consider how I want to integrate public health and social determinants of health into my future career. Through this experience, I know that I want to continue to work in the public health field, potentially doing public health outreach and research as a physician.
Discuss the relationship you had with your faculty mentor and how they helped you during this Connecting Experience.
Dr. Ricardo Ainslie has been such an inspiring mentor. Not only is he an incredible interdiscplinarian, he is also talented, hard-working, and kind. I have truly enjoyed working with him and I am excited to continue in the future.