Evaluate Factors that Impact Public Health

Evidence Statement: Demonstrated Competence in Evaluating Factors that Impact Public Health

My work across three distinct projects illustrates my ability to rigorously evaluate environmental, behavioral, and programmatic factors that influence public health outcomes, using mixed-methods approaches that produce actionable, evidence-based recommendations. In my PUBH 381 Program Evaluation project, I designed and detailed a comprehensive evaluation plan for a community nutrition education program targeting adults aged 25–50. Employing a blended process and outcome evaluation framework guided by a logic model, I integrated quantitative methods (pre/post surveys, dietary logs, and secondary health-record BMI data) with qualitative focus groups to assess short-term dietary changes, intermediate engagement, and long-term obesity rate reductions. Findings led to targeted recommendations, including curriculum revisions for greater participant engagement and enhanced partnerships with local supermarkets, justified by the need to strengthen both utilization and sustained behavior change to reduce preventable chronic disease burden.

Complementing this programmatic expertise, my OSH 450: Sanitation and Water Quality Management which covers indoor air quality inspection of the Hart Building. I Used standardized instrumentation (Q-Trak 7565 monitor, VOC badges, and spore-trap sampling), I identified elevated CO₂ levels (up to 722 ppm), mold growth on ceiling tiles, and multiple volatile organic compounds, concluding that inadequate ventilation and outdoor air exchange posed risks to occupant health. Recommendations focused on mechanical ventilation upgrades, professional mold remediation, and ongoing monitoring—interventions selected for their proven effectiveness in reducing respiratory and allergic risks.

Lastly, in my PUBH 391 : Research Methods, I did a research study on diabetes knowledge among college students demonstrate my proficiency in environmental and behavioral health assessment. Similarly, in a cross-sectional survey of 56 BYU-Idaho students, I found high overall diabetes knowledge (93–98% correct on core concepts) yet persistent gaps regarding complications such as stroke (67.2%) and oral health effects (58.6%), with age, not gender, emerging as the significant predictor (ANOVA F=8.17, p=0.0002). These results informed recommendations for targeted campus educational interventions to close critical knowledge gaps and narrow the knowledge–behavior gap among young adults.

Together, these projects showcase my ability to select and implement replicable evaluation methods—ranging from instrument-calibrated environmental testing and SPSS/NVivo analysis to stakeholder-engaged program evaluation—that translate data into practical, prioritized recommendations. Whether improving indoor environments, strengthening community nutrition programs, or enhancing health literacy among future generations, my work consistently delivers clear, evidence-supported strategies that advance population health and demonstrate readiness to contribute immediately and effectively in professional public health settings.