The public’s understanding of the need for vaccines against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is lacking. This project seeks to understand vaccine hesitancy within Providence’s community, by identifying ways for vaccine developers to best deliver necessary information in a less intimidating and more encouraging way. The goal is to engage healthcare professionals in discourse surrounding vaccine hesitancy, and subsequently determine what information is particularly pertinent to them as providers. From there, an emphasis will be placed on understanding how that information should be delivered for optimal patient clarity. The result being a protocol that other research institutions can follow in order to share information regarding how their vaccine was developed, all in a way the public can easily digest.

Faculty mentor: Dr. Megan Kizer

I am a sophomore studying Applied Math - Biology with a particular passion for working within the intersection of mathematical modeling, biochemistry, medicine, and public health. In hopes of expanding upon this passion, I am interested in pursuing a career as a researching physician. Here at Brown, I am a member of the Kizer Lab, a biochemistry lab working on vaccine development for gonorrhea and a facilitator for the Sexual Health Advocacy & Peer Education (SHAPE) Student Group. In my free time, I enjoy painting, baking, and hanging out with my cats!