Presenting Research Poster at Conference
Author: Susana Rodriguez Gongora | Major: Public Health | Semester: Spring 2024
As a Public Health major at the University of Arkansas, I have spent the past semester immersed in research aimed at understanding the complexities of tobacco regulation, with a particular focus on menthol cigarettes. Under the guidance of Dr. Page Daniel Dobbs from the Department of Health, Human Performance, & Recreation, I have immersed myself in the world of public health policy enforcement and the challenges associated with it. In this essay, I will share my research journey, the insights I gained, and my plans for the future in the field of public health. My research involved analyzing discussions on Reddit to understand how individuals in California navigate around laws banning flavored tobacco. What I discovered was eye-opening: people employ various strategies, such as purchasing menthol products illegally or from neighboring states, to circumvent these laws. This sheds light on the complexities of enforcing public health policies and underscores the need for effective enforcement strategies to safeguard community health and well-being.
Additionally, I have been involved in a project exploring e-cigarette marketing targeted towards young women. This research aims to provide insights that can inform policy recommendations for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other relevant regulatory bodies, with the ultimate goal of safeguarding the health and well-being of future generations. With guidance from faculty recommendations, I found my mentor, Dr. Page Daniel Dobbs. I stumbled upon my research topic while working on a related project that explored discrete shipping. I noticed the targeting of young women in e-cigarette marketing and became interested in exploring this further.
Through my research, I learned about the complexities of enforcing public health policies and the various strategies people employ to circumvent them. I discovered that nicotine is highly addictive, and its users are victims of a much larger system at play. Despite efforts to implement policies for public health, individuals often find ways to circumvent them. This highlights the importance of assessing the effectiveness of policies continuously. Through my research journey, I not only gained valuable insights into public health policy enforcement but also learned a great deal about myself. I discovered that public health is not just a field of study for me; it is a genuine passion. The more I delved into the complexities of tobacco regulation and e-cigarette marketing, the more I realized the significant impact public health policies can have on communities. I found myself deeply invested in understanding the dynamics at play and exploring solutions to safeguard community health and well-being. My research journey has also reaffirmed my belief in the power of education and research to effect positive change. I have always been passionate about educating others on health-related issues, but this experience has deepened my commitment. I believe that education is the first step towards prevention, and through my future career in public health, I aspire to empower communities with the knowledge and tools they need to lead healthier lives.
Moreover, this research experience has highlighted the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. I have learned that public health is a dynamic field that requires constant evaluation and adjustment of strategies to address emerging health threats effectively. This has further fueled my desire to pursue further education and research in public health, as I am committed to staying informed and contributing to the advancement of the field. As rewarding and exciting as this learning experience was, it did not come without its challenges. Coding a large volume of TikTok videos for my research project was a significant challenge. It required dedication, effective time management, and a lot of patience. Additionally, agreeing on codes with my research partner was challenging, but we overcame this by establishing clear definitions for each code and ensuring consistency in our coding process. We also utilized Kappa values to assess inter-rater reliability, ensuring the validity of our findings.
Dr. Dobbs played a supportive role throughout my research. She provided structure, guidance, and answered questions, allowing me to explore my interests while providing valuable insights and feedback. Additionally, Dr. Davis provided support as a committee member. I presented my research idea to him, and he provided valuable feedback that helped shape my research project. I had the opportunity to travel to Scotland to present our findings at the SRNT Conference. This experience allowed me to deepen my understanding of public health issues related to nicotine and tobacco and expand my professional network. Presenting my thesis and engaging in a poster presentation provided valuable networking opportunities and reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in public health research and advocacy. The networking opportunities from the conference have opened doors to potential opportunities for further professional growth and development. I am thrilled to announce that I have secured an internship at Truth Initiative, where I will be conducting research this summer. This internship presents an incredible opportunity for me to further explore my research interests and gain practical experience in the field of public health.
Upon my return to the University of Arkansas, I will continue my academic journey by pursuing a master’s degree in public health. I am eager to delve deeper into the field and expand my knowledge and skills in public health research and education. Ultimately, my goal is to work in the community health/non-profit sector, focusing on research and education to improve the health and well-being of communities. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to making a meaningful impact in the field of public health. My semester of research has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It has deepened my understanding of public health issues and reaffirmed my passion for making a difference in the health and well-being of communities. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to continuing my journey in the field of public health.