- Global Awareness: I love travelling and I was looking forward to participating in study abroad opportunities through Ohio State. Unfortunately, like many other students the coronavirus pandemic will likely prevent me from doing so; however, I think there are still meaningful ways to grow my global awareness from home. The current pandemic shows just how important international cooperation is in preventing global crises. In my coursework, I have taken several incredibly interesting international relations courses that study identity politics on the international stage, public management in the international sector, and global economics.
- Original Inquiry: I currently work with Dr. Rudy Hightower on the Policy Visualization Team within the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. We work with other university faculty, local decision makers, and nonprofit leaders to investigate policies that would reach the goals set by the given individual or organization. We analyze these policies using models, simulations, interactive dashboards, and data visualizations. I also work on research for the SOAR Initiative with Dr. Ayaz Hyder in the College of Public Health to investigate the efficacy of fentanyl test strips as a harm reduction tool to reduce overdose rates in Columbus. This research was very recently approved by the IRB and will commence very soon.
- Academic Enrichment: Throughout my 4 semesters at Ohio State I have taken several honors courses that have posed a rewarding challenge and enriched my overall education. As a double major, I am very busy with coursework; however, I find the diversity in my curriculum to be deeply meaningful. In talking to people who use drugs in Columbus, I’ve heard so many stories of people who have been treated terribly by those in the medical profession. Everyone has a responsibility to challenge stigma, especially those who are supposed to know the difficulties that a disease like addiction can pose. I think a diverse curriculum centered on people, not just biological processes, is crucial for an aspiring medical professional. Developing a people-centered curriculum, while also obtaining crucial knowledge in the biological sciences has centered my decision in having two majors and picking the courses I take each semester.
- Leadership Development: I am an Eminence Fellow and have worked with other student leaders to develop a practical and impactful service initiative, Powerhouse Ohio. I am also developing my leadership skills outside of the classroom through the Undergraduate Student Government where I serveed as a senator and sustainability committee representative. I am currently working on amending some features of Ohio State’s sustainability goals to include commitments to renewable resource development and greater transparency to the university community.
- Service Engagement: I have devoted a lot of time to developing the SOAR Intiative, which aims to Support Ohioans throughout Addiction and Recovery. This last year has been more successful and fulfilling than I could have imagined. Besides obtaining grants from Tech Hub and the Innovation Studio here on campus, we were also fortunate to enter a partnership worth up to $48,000 with Columbus Public Health to release our Deadly Batch Alert System, which aims to notify people of potentially deadly batches of drugs in our community. We have distributed nearly 1,000 fentanyl test strips to the community by setting up distribution sites around Columbus. Over this next year, we plan to open up more sites and distribute many more test strips. Anyone can currently subscribe to our alert system by texting “SOAR” to 614-768-7627. Our app launch is planned for October.
G.O.A.L.S.
The University Honors & Scholars Center at The Ohio State University serves high-ability, motivated undergraduate students. While embracing diversity in both ideas and people, the Center fosters purposeful learning communities that enhance students’ academic and social experiences. The Center facilitates impactful, rigorous, and unique opportunities that further student success and involvement in our G.O.A.L.S.: Global Awareness, Original Inquiry, Academic Enrichment, Leadership Development, and Service Engagement.