Student Profile: Gloria Walker-Hoover
Gloria Walker-Hoover is an undergraduate summer research intern who worked with the UMass Center for Program Evaluation
Gloria Walker-Hoover is an undergraduate summer research intern who worked with Jennifer Whitehall, associate professor of Health Policy and Management and the UMass Center for Program Evaluation on an evaluation study being conducted for the City of Northampton. The study aims to understand the impact of the newly created Division of Community Care.
Q: Explain what you are researching and your daily role in the study.
For my Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) I worked with the UMass Center for Program evaluation on an evaluation study being conducted for the City of Northampton to understand the impact of the newly created Division of Community Care.
Q: What made you interested in this research?
Getting to engage in research about Northampton, a community close to Springfield, my hometown, was particularly rewarding. Given the significant impact of police violence on communities of color, contributing to a project that addressed these critical issues and benefited my community was deeply meaningful to me.
Q: How have your experiences at UMass helped prepare you for research?
My public health courses equipped me with a solid foundation in the fundamental ideas required for conducting successful evaluation and research because of their emphasis on problem-solving and critical analysis. Additionally, working on group projects and participating in student organizations refined my teamwork and communication skills. My experiences at UMass equipped me to work collaboratively and contribute meaningfully to scientific endeavors.
Q: What about this internship are you most excited about?
During this internship, I had an enjoyable experience collaborating with Jennifer Whitehill. Her guidance allowed me to deepen my understanding of evaluation and research. I valued first-hand experiences such as going to the Division of Community Care and gathering field notes. These experiences not only demonstrated how research skills can be applied to identify practical, real-world implications but also provided me with valuable insights.
Q: What do you hope to do in the future, either at UMass or after graduating?
In the future, I plan to further my interest in global health. I also plan to pursue a master's degree.