Inspiring a New Generation to Address Global Health

Nurturing and developing talented young people, educated in epidemiological methods, is critical to build public health professionals who can address global health issues and foster practices that protect minority populations entering new environments. This session's goal is to understand what inspires high school students to pursue public health, how to connect with them early as they formulate college and career plans, and how to keep them dedicated to the field.

This session showcases Young Epidemiology Scholars (YES) who have engaged in epidemiological research on global issues – either through their YES research in high school or college experiences. For example, YES students submitted research on topics such as the "Impact of Legalization of Hispanic Illegal Immigrants on Future Type 2 Diabetes Incidence through 2050" and "Unclean and Unsupplied Sanitation Facilities' Effect upon Health."

Many have continued their interest in public health in college. Maya Wolpert worked with rural South African clinics preparing them for an anti-retroviral treatment program for the HIV positive population. Laura Glass is furthering her research on social contact networks and the spread of influenza, seeking a career in global sustainability. Erin Vickery's CDC fellowship included working with researchers developing methods to test levels of water disinfection byproducts in human blood. Stephanie Mok's internship at Harvard Medical School focuses on the Chinese health systems. Her career interests involve public health, particularly epidemiology and infectious diseases.

These are our future professionals – hear their story and learn how we can inspire more students like them to address global health.