Alege Makes Her Impact in Tribal Health Experiential Internship Seminar (THESIS) Program
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Community health education graduate student Olusola Alege made a significant impact this past summer during the eight-week Tribal Health Experiential Internship Seminar (THESIS) program. THESIS, a virtual internship, focuses on promoting Tribal public health and is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Office of Minority Health and Health Equity through their Lewis Scholars Program.
As one of seven organizations in the Lewis Scholars Program, THESIS operates under the Southern Plains Tribal Health Board in Oklahoma City. Interns delve into Native American culture, resilience, and various aspects of public health, including epidemiology and research. Their intensive eight-week journey culminates in the creation of research posters, which they present at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.
Olusola’s research topic centered around Food Insecurity in Indian Country: A Literature Review on Root Causes. Reflecting on her THESIS experience, she shared, “My experience with the THESIS internship this summer has been incredibly rewarding. Working on a research project that addresses health issues and inequalities within the community has deepened my understanding of the unique challenges faced by Native American populations. The opportunity to collaborate with passionate professionals and engage with the community has been both enlightening and humbling."
"Presenting my research poster at the CDC was a highlight of the summer," she continues. "It was an honor to share my findings on a national platform and receive valuable feedback from experts in the field. The experience solidified my commitment to public health and reinforced the importance of culturally informed approaches to healthcare. This summer has not only enhanced my research skills but also strengthened my dedication to making a meaningful impact in the communities I serve.”
For more information about THESIS and the Lewis Scholars Program, visit https://thesis.spthb.org.