Joshua Grubbs

Studying environmental epidemiology has allowed me to pursue two of my greatest interests – human and environmental health. The topic encompasses some of the most engaging parts of the natural and social sciences. Even more importantly, the interface between the two disciplines lends our work to interventions that improve human health and make a real impact on people’s lives.

I am currently an undergraduate student pursuing my degree in chemistry and global health.

Huijia Yu

I am studying Statistics and Computer Science at Duke University, but am deeply passionate about Global Health, as the analysis of populations and disease relies on statistical science. I loved being a part of the project last year. It opened my eyes up to how significant of an impact individuals can make with the right team and shared goals.

Luiza Rezende Izoldi Perez

I have always known that I wanted to be a doctor. I am concerned with health, but not necessarily just individual care. Looking at a population is very important. Growing up in Brazil, I witnessed a lot of social problems and inequality in daily life. I thought by studying global health that I could do something bigger than simply caring for one person at a time. I want to dedicate my time to making a difference in the larger scheme.

Anson MacKinney

As a sophomore studying Biology, with a double minor in Global Health and Sociology, I recognize how much of health is defined by our environments. I came to Duke knowing I wanted to be involved in a research project that connected my passions for language and culture, scientific research, community involvement, and global health. In the Global Health FOCUS program my freshman year, I was made aware of how much inequality and health problems can be influenced by research and involvement. In my year and a half working on an independent study project in a Duke Medicine hematology lab under Dr. Rahima Zennadi, I’ve developed an even greater interest in the problem-solving aspect of research and discovery.

I want to be a part of contributing a significant body of research that can have a direct, tangible, and large-scale impact on the health of populations internationally. This project will elicit that positive impact.

Karina Martinez Romo

Taking a course about the conservation of wild India pushed me to see the connections between the environment, global health and psychology; my fields of study as an undergraduate student. Our environment informs both the individual and collective human experience on biological and psychological levels, which in turn shape our impact on the environment, and vice versa. There is inherent value in both our natural world and health, however, the relationship between the two isn’t always simple. Having entered the field of environmental epidemiology allows me to explore questions of community empowerment, economic development, ethics and sustainability, while simultaneously aiming to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Delaney Dryfoos

I began studying environmental epidemiology from a strictly medical perspective, but have realized that the impact we make in the health of humans allows not only individuals to survive, but entire communities and civilizations to survive. The preservation of human health also preserves cultures, languages, artwork, and all of the amazing cultural aspects of humanity. With the additional environmental component added, we can strive to preserve not only human culture, but also the habitat for wildlife and nature.

I am a student pursuing degrees in biology, global health, and policy journalism/media studies.

Liane Emerson

As a student in Global Health and Biology, I recognize how much health is determined by our physical environment. This project combines every aspect of my interests: ecology, disease, international travel, and community engagement. I look forward to continuing to be at the forefront of research that has a tangible and direct impact on communities. As a member of the Bass Connections team this past year, I have learned how determined and cooperative this team can be, and am continually amazed at the product of their passions.

Jennifer Callejas

The Environmental Science and Global Health majors at Duke University have opened my eyes to my role as a student in a global environment. Throughout my studies these past three years, my interests in global engagement have grown and developed. This research team has been a pivotal part of that development, as the experiences I had this previous year as a member of the team demonstrated the power of research in an increasingly global world. This project, which places even more of an emphasis on the environmental influences on health, is representative of the current needs of Peru with the crisis surrounding rising levels of toxic metals.