I am currently researching racial disparities in death rates due to heart disease in major metropolitan areas. I found that several socioeconomic, environmental, and historical factors make African Americans more prone to developing certain health conditions, but less likely to seek treatment. When African Americans do seek treatment, they receive a lower quality of care and are more likely to die compared to their white counterparts. For my science research project, I chose to focus on disparities in the death rate due to heart disease since that is the leading cause of death in the United States. Using publicly-available data from the CDC, I found that African Americans have higher age-adjusted death rates due to heart disease across several metropolitan areas. I also found that income was the biggest predictor of racial health disparities, demonstrating that low-income individuals are more likely to die from cardiovascular disease. 

This project began after I researched racial health disparities between African Americans and their white counterparts for my sociology term paper. The areas I focused on were chronic health conditions, maternal, fetal, and child health, mental health, as well as the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. As someone interested in the medical field, it is incredibly important that I understand social determinants of health in addition to physical and psychological aspects that make up one's health. 

Before researching racial health disparities, I researched the psychology behind opioid addiction. I was fascinated by a phenomenon known as cue-reactivity where drug-related stimuli elicit a conditioned response. For example, if someone with opioid addiction were to see a pill bottle, they would experience drug cravings and an elevated heart rate. I was interested in cue-exposure therapy, in which individuals would be exposed to drug-related stimuli repeatedly until they do not experience a conditioned response. I found it difficult to get involved with research due to the personal nature of the subject, as well as challenges related to the ongoing pandemic. However, I am still very fascinated with this topic and I would love to get involved in addiction-related research in the future. 

While my time at North is ending, my future in research and public health is just beginning. Next year, I will be majoring in applied psychology and global public health on a pre-med track at New York University. While I have always been interested in psychology and medicine, I discovered my passion for public health through my research. I plan on continuing and expanding my research on both health disparities and addiction by participating in the IDEAS Lab at the School of Global Public Health where I will help investigate and address disparities in drug addiction among at-risk communities. After college, I hope to earn a master's degree in public health, attend medical school, and eventually become a psychiatrist. I hope to provide affordable and accessible mental health care to diverse populations, de-stigmatize mental health treatment, and address health disparities throughout my career. 

I would like to thank my mentor and science research teacher, Dr. Schuchman and my sociology teacher, Mr. Turner for their continued help and support with my project. I also want to thank my family who have supported me in my research journey for the past three years. I will continue to use the skills I've learned in the science research program throughout college and beyond.