Undergraduate Olivia Peterson traveled to Scotland to present her Senior thesis at the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Conference. Read her blog post, “Exploring Global Health: A Journey of Research and Professional Growth” to hear about her wonderful experience presenting internationally.

Author: Olivia Peterson | Major: Public Health | Semester: Spring 2024

As a student majoring in public health with a minor in medical humanities, my passion for understanding health disparities and exploring innovative solutions has led me on a remarkable journey of research and professional growth. Hi, I’m Olivia Peterson, and I’m excited to share with you the highlights of my recent trip and conference experience that helped shaped my academic journey and future medical endeavors.

Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to Scotland to present my research at the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco Conference. This trip was not just about showcasing our research eKorts but also about representing the dedication and hard work of the Health Equity and Addictions Labs (HEAL) under Dr. Page Dobbs where I’ve been fortunate to contribute at the University.

Being among the few undergraduate students at such a prestigious international conference was both humbling and exciting. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, with professionals encouraging us to continue pursuing opportunities and aiming high in our future endeavors. Their words reinforced my belief in the importance of perseverance and seizing every chance to make an impact in the field of public health.

Not only were we able to present our research in a diKerent country but were able to explore the city and all the cultures within. Presenting abroad was an amazing opportunity to travel but also meet professionals within our field from all over the globe.

One of the most significant aspects of the trip was the opportunity to network with professionals who share my passion for researching the impact of nicotine and tobacco. Connecting with experts and peers in my field provided invaluable insights and opened doors for potential collaborations and mentorship opportunities in the future. Companies like the Truth Initiative, and even other universities were looking for new ideas to collaborate on. These connections enriched my understanding of the subject matter and also inspired me to continue with contributions in Tobacco and nicotine research in the future.

Presenting our work at the conference was a transformative experience. It enhanced my public speaking skills and boosted my confidence in sharing our research findings with a broader audience. The experience of engaging with fellow researchers and discussing our findings further fueled my passion for pursuing a career dedicated to addressing health disparities and promoting equitable healthcare access.

Reflecting on this experience, my advice to fellow students is simple: embrace every opportunity that comes your way, be fearless, and never underestimate the power of perseverance. Whether it’s applying for conferences, seeking research opportunities, or pursuing internships, every experience contributes to your growth and development that can really benefit your future.

As for what’s next for me, I’m excited to embark on the next chapter of my journey by pursuing a career in Physician Associate studies. My goal is to leverage the knowledge and skills I’ve gained here to break down health disparities and advocate for equitable healthcare access for all individuals, regardless of their background. It’s my desire to research populations and also hands on contribute to their well-being and health.

The trip to Scotland and participation in the SRNT conference has been instrumental in my academic journey and in shaping my professional trajectory. My commitment to addressing health disparities and have equipped me with the skills and confidence to make a meaningful diKerence in the field of public health has been reinforced. I’m grateful for the experiences and opportunities that have paved the way for my continued growth and look forward to the exciting challenges that lie ahead. This opportunity would not have been possible without the Honors College’s support, and I am forever grateful.