Dominique Harrison
Being a McNair scholar has given Dominique the opportunity to explore my interests on a broader spectrum. She is able to choose and work with a professor whose public health experience and research aligns with what she wants to do in the future. With the endless support of her faculty mentor and the McNair program, her research has validated what population and health concerns she wants to help change in my career. The support of the program also helped Dominique challenge herself by getting involved with other programs on campus that align with her health interests. She realizes it wasn’t for the McNair program, she wouldn’t be as excited to peruse a master’s degree. Being a first-generation college student on her mother’s side, it’s amazing to see how she (along with my cousins and siblings) are able to have this opportunity to be in college in general. “The planet does not need more ‘successful people’. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers and lovers of all kinds. It needs people to live well in their places. It needs people with moral courage willing to join the struggle to make the world habitable and humane and these qualities have little to do with success as our culture is the set.” – Dalai Lama
ABSTRACT: Background: A growing health concern individuals of vulnerable populations face and have a higher risk for is sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In recent years, there has been a rise of STIs in women prison facilities, the highest being chlamydia trachomatis. There is a lack of studies in women facilities showing the decrease of STIs when prevention programs are in place while they are incarcerated. Methods: An evaluation of the current health curriculum will be done and given to the women of the facility. Expected Results: Workshops and programs that emphasize self-efficacy and STI prevention significantly lowered the risk of recidivism and frequent STI diagnoses for women who are incarcerated.
