Viana C
- Research Program Mentor
MS at University of California San Francisco (UCSF)
Expertise
Public/global health concepts, cultural competency, diversity/equity/inclusion (DEI), English (grammar, writing), qualitative research, report writing, artistic expression
Bio
Hi, my name is Viana and I've developed a passion for tutoring and education, alongside my primary career interests of global healthcare and policy. During my undergraduate studies at Illinois Wesleyan University, I majored in Biology and International Studies. I completed a year of service with Literacy AmeriCorps as an elementary school reading tutor and an adult ESOL tutor in Florida. Then, I earned my Master of Science degree in Global Health Sciences at the University of California, San Francisco. I also love language and linguistics, drawing, and strength training. I'm currently not fluent in another language, but I'm hoping to improve my Mandarin and Cantonese. Drawing has been a long-term hobby of mine, and I've transitioned from watercolor/gouache painting to digital painting. Furthermore, I enjoy exercising and lifting weights.Project ideas
#1: Barriers and facilitators to accessing appropriate and timely healthcare
Disparities and inequities in healthcare stem from forces such as discrimination, racism, and lack of governmental support. However, while there are generic interventions that can be implemented, these solutions must be appropriate and relevant to the community of interest in order to make a significant impact. This project would require an in-depth analysis of societal or structural challenges to accessing adequate healthcare, as well as any existing practices or policies that promote it. The goal would be to identify a model that is culturally competent for the setting and community served.
#2: Policy brief: replace high-sugar consumables in vending machines with healthier options
Many low-cost processed foods have high amounts of sugar and other artificial additives. For some families, especially those who are low-income, purchasing cheap foods is a preferred economic method. However, consuming high levels of sugar and other additives predisposes one to diabetes, obesity, cavities, and other health complications. High levels of consumption should be prevented early on in life to reduce the likelihood of addiction. Vending machines at schools are a prime target. This project would require an investigation of how frequently students consume unhealthy drinks and snacks from vending machines, and to collect student insights on how they believe that consuming vending machine foods has impacted their family's or their own health. The outcome of this project would be creating an effective policy brief to present to the school administration.
#3: A multi-country comparison of health systems
This would be a comparison of the health systems of various countries of choice. Through this investigation, students would learn about a country's healthcare priorities, which insurance options are most popular, and the effectiveness of the healthcare systems (considering variables such as cost of insurance premiums, cost of healthcare services, coverage of healthcare services, and types of healthcare services that are most commonly used). After analyzing the pros and cons of each country's health system, the student would develop their own model of an effective health system.