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Indiana University Graduate School Indianapolis

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  • Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health
  • Naw Pow

Naw Pow

MPH in Epidemiology

What I enjoy most about Indianapolis is the rich landscape of public health research opportunities and the city's commitment to data-driven health initiatives. The collaborative environment between academic institutions, government agencies, and community organizations creates a perfect setting for someone passionate about research and data analysis.

Why did you choose graduate school at IU Indianapolis?

As a first-generation college graduate passionate about community health, research, and data, choosing IU Indianapolis for my Master of Public Health in Epidemiology was the perfect next step. My experiences with the Indiana Department of Health, the CDC, and various public health organizations showed me the power of data-driven decision-making in addressing health disparities. The commitment to innovative research at the Fairbanks School of Public Health thrilled me.

Through this program, I look forward to building on my skills and delving deeper into epidemiological research and data analysis. The school's focus on hands-on learning and cutting-edge research methods aligns perfectly with my goal of becoming a skilled epidemiologist who can use data to impact public health.

What has been your favorite academic accomplishment since you’ve been here?

My most valued academic achievement is being awarded the Eli Lilly Enhanced Epidemiological Fellowship. This opportunity is a dream come true as I am passionate about research and data analysis. It allows me to utilize advanced statistical techniques and data analysis methods in real-world pharmaceutical research and clinical trials. I am thrilled to be involved in the study design and data interpretation, using statistical tools to uncover insights that could significantly impact public health. This experience gives me a deeper understanding of how data-driven research can influence public health strategies.

The Eli Lilly Enhanced Epidemiological Fellowship is offered by Eli Lilly and Co. and the IU Fairbank’s School of Public Health. It provides two students each year with full tuition reimbursement, stipend, career coaching, and scientific mentorship related to research opportunities at Lilly. The fellowship combines specialized coursework with hands-on experience at Lilly's headquarters, providing a unique skill set merging public health principles with pharmaceutical industry expertise. This program aims to foster future public health and pharmaceutical research leaders and create a network of alumni to continue collaboration in the field.

What do you enjoy most about life in Indianapolis?

What I enjoy most about Indianapolis is the rich landscape of public health research opportunities and the city's commitment to data-driven health initiatives. The collaborative environment between academic institutions, government agencies, and community organizations creates a perfect setting for someone passionate about research and data analysis. I've worked on various projects, from analyzing health disparities data with the Indiana Department of Health to contributing to community health assessments with local organizations. The city's focus on using data to address health inequities, particularly in minority communities, aligns perfectly with my interests and skills. Whether participating in health fairs where we collect valuable community health data or contributing to research projects that inform local health policies, Indianapolis offers countless opportunities to apply my passion for research and data analysis in meaningful ways.

Please provide some details about your work/research as a graduate student and/or any activities you are involved in.

As a graduate student passionate about research and data, I utilize epidemiological methods to address real public health challenges. Through my Eli Lilly Epidemiology Fellowship, I am improving my pharmacoepidemiology and statistical analysis skills while gaining insight into how big data can improve drug safety and development. A project that I am particularly proud of involved analyzing data on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) for the Association of Maternal and Child Health Program. This work has allowed me to address crucial health equity issues through data visualization and reporting, potentially influencing policy decisions. At the Indiana Department of Health, I merge data analysis with communication to work on minority health projects and develop data-driven marketing strategies that make complex health information accessible to diverse audiences.

My experience as a Certified Community Health Worker grounds my research in real-world implications, helping me bridge the gap between complex epidemiological findings and community needs. Additionally, I have contributed to youth mental health research at the IU School of Medicine, reinforcing my belief in the power of data to identify health trends and guide interventions. As a first-generation college graduate, I am committed to constantly improving my research skills through workshops and new data tools. I aim to leverage my unique perspective, experiences, and passion for data to contribute meaningfully to public health, uncovering insights that lead to more effective and equitable health policies and programs.

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