One of the most direct ways a GFS student can explore her interest in public health is the Women In Science and Engineering (WISE) program, a partnership with Johns Hopkins University that. For more than 15 years, WISE students have worked directly with JHU professors and graduate students, gaining hands-on experiences in a wide variety of STEM-related fields.

Though the WISE program was on pause this year during COVID-19, the following students were able to participate in their junior year, working with mentors at the Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health:

Lucy M. ’21, working with the Center for Adolescent Health: "'Honestly, We Only Needed Money for Food': How Different Youth are Dealing with Food Insecurity," focused on food insecurity and the efforts of Better Together, a program that supports the health and well-being of urban youth in families affected by substance abuse. 

Madison Q. ’21, with a focus on International Health: "Vaccinonmics," which focused on the study of vaccines and genes as well as communications around infectious disease risks and prevention.

Chloe S. ’21, working with the Center for Adolescent Health: "Mixed Method Exploration of Youth Sports Participation and Health Behaviors," analyzed data from several sources to examine the anticipated impact of sports programs on youth development and positive health behaviors. 

Ellie M. ’21, working with the Population, Family & Reproductive Health, Gates Institute: "Comprehensive Sexual Education: The Answer to the Problem of Ineffective Sexual Education," examined data and literature to determine the ineffectiveness of abstinence-only education and the need for more comprehensive sexual education in schools. 

Real-World Connections

While a WISE experience has always an excellent way to help students identify new areas of focus, make real-world connections and hone 21^st century skills like collaboration, critical thinking and creativity, and the current global health crisis heightened the sense of relevancy and importance for these students.

“My experience with WISE taught me to become a more efficient problem-solver, especially in situations where there was no one else to help me,” said Madison Q. ’21 of her recent WISE project. “I’m so fortunate to have been able to learn about vaccines during my internship, because vaccinations have become such a prominent topic in our world.”

Learn more about the WISE program at GFS

Program website

Featured article—Summer 2019