Why did you choose graduate school at IU Indianapolis?
I opted for IU Indianapolis after taking English as a Second Language courses through the Program for Extensive English (PIE) and discovering the multitude of advantages available to students. IU Indianapolis stood out for its diversity and inclusive learning environment, providing countless opportunities to gain unique perspectives. The variety of student organizations and on-campus activities only solidified my decision. The Economics graduate program was the ultimate factor, boasting an excellent curriculum and esteemed faculty.
What has been your favorite academic accomplishment since you’ve been here?
Selecting a single accomplishment is no easy feat, as each one holds significance and symbolizes the culmination of multiple endeavors. Nevertheless, one achievement stands out to me: the composition and presentation of a literature review on Malaria in Sub-Saharan African nations during my inaugural semester in the Health Economics Seminar course. This particular feat is one that I am particularly proud of. Additionally, I felt elated when I was chosen by my department (Economics) faculty to represent my department at the School of Liberal Arts student meeting with the new chancellor, Dr. Latha Ramchand.
What do you enjoy most about life in Indianapolis?
Living in Indianapolis has its advantages. It's a big city with reasonable living costs, which is a great benefit. There is an impressive number of restaurants serving food from diverse countries, which is a treat for foodies. As an aesthetic, I love the fact that there are so many museums and libraries here. Additionally, the city experiences all the seasons, which is an interesting experience in itself.
Please provide some details about your work/research as a graduate student and/or any activities you are involved in.
As a graduate student, my involvement spans various impactful activities, reflecting my commitment to community engagement, academic enrichment, and research excellence.
In terms of community engagement and service, I have dedicated significant time to supporting both local and international initiatives. My roles within the American Red Cross Disaster Action Team involved mentoring new volunteers, providing essential translation services, and offering direct assistance to families affected by crises. Additionally, my volunteer work at Paw's Pantry focused on alleviating food insecurity among university students and fostering a supportive environment while addressing immediate needs.
Within campus engagement, I have served as a graduate mentor in the International Peer Mentoring Program, offering guidance and support to international students navigating academic and cultural challenges. Furthermore, as President of the Economics Club, I spearheaded initiatives to promote scholarly engagement and departmental involvement post-COVID closures. Additionally, as a Founder and Board Member of the Liberal Arts Graduate Organization (of students), I played a pivotal role in organizing events and advocating for the academic welfare of graduate students within the liberal arts department.
In terms of research and scholarly work, my role as a Research Assistant involved contributing to a comprehensive project on maternal and infant health, particularly focusing on reproductive health disparities among foreign-born non-Hispanic Black women. Through meticulous data collection, I aim to address critical gaps in understanding and addressing healthcare disparities, ultimately contributing to more inclusive and effective healthcare strategies.
Furthermore, as a translator for the American Red Cross, I bridge language barriers between English-speaking volunteers and French-speaking individuals affected by crises. This direct communication has not only enhanced the aid provided by the Red Cross but also fostered inclusivity and support within the communities served. Through my translation efforts, I've helped create a more welcoming environment where non-English speakers feel valued and empowered, reinforcing the principle that everyone deserves equal access to assistance, regardless of language barriers.
I serve as a lab technician, contributing to research efforts within the academic community. My role as an Adjunct Faculty at Ivy Tech involves teaching microeconomics, where I impart knowledge and mentor students in understanding economic principles and their real-world applications. Through these roles, I strive to facilitate learning, promote academic growth, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge within my field of expertise.