Sahas Chandragiri

ABOUT THE RESEARCHER:

1.     Who are you doing research with this summer and what kind of research project are you doing?

I am doing research with Dr. Jessica Sautter in the Sociology Department. I am focused on identifying common risk factors between communicable (CD) and non-communicable diseases (NCD) in India and South Africa. 

 2.     What do you find fascinating in the research you’re doing?

As a Biomedical Sciences major, I spend a lot of time studying details of the human body like organ systems and the immune system, so I appreciate the macro-perspective that sociology research offers on the same topic. I also love the autonomy that this research provides me. Dr. Sautter encourages me to explore while researching and later helps to modify my ideas into attainable goals. 

 3.     What skills are you learning through the USURF experience?

 I have learned how to use code for basic variables on SAS servers to identify important variables of interest. I am also learning how to effectively read literature. By focusing on the methods section and the way researchers use the same dataset, I am becoming more familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of the dataset and learning which survey questions best represent risk broad factors like physical exercise and smoking/alcohol consumption. 

 4.     What are the challenges you’re encountering in your research?

I am having trouble finding a dataset that has all the necessary information publicly available. The Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) dataset is perfect in that it identifies behavioral and socioeconomic risk factors, NCD statistics, and has harmonized datasets that allow for comparison between countries similar on the epidemiological scale. However, the India HIV statistics will not be released until the end of 2019, forcing me to switch my focus to South Africa for now. Since the end goal is to eventually compare differences in my South Africa and India findings, this should not be a major issue. 

5.     How is your USURF experience impacting the way you view your field?

My USURF experience has helped me discover my interest in disease epidemiology and public health. As I apply to medical school, I am searching for schools that offer global health opportunities and disease epidemiology research. 

 6.     Tell us something interesting about yourself.

 I am also a member of the USciences golf and tennis teams.