Public Health 499C - Hons Proj-CommParticRsrch/Biom

Those positioned at the intersections of multiple marginalized identities or social positions face significant health disparities. This two-semester Honors Thesis/Project Seminar will explore the use of community-based participatory approaches to health equity research focused on race, gender, socioeconomic status, age, and geographic location. In this course, students will examine the relationship between inequalities in the social determinants of health, cortisol (a stress response hormone in the body), and chronic disease risks (e.g., obesity). Half of the students in the class will concentrate on quantitative data collection and analysis and the other half on lab-based fingernail sample processing and analysis.

Preference in registration given to Commonwealth Honors College Seniors using this course toward their Capstone Experience requirement; others as space permits. Prospective students should email Dr. Luis Valdez at lvaldez@umass.edu