The DOLF Project hosted Gold Family Summer Research Scholar Michael Poirier this summer through the 2024 Institute for Public Health Summer Research Program. Michael is a rising senior at Saint Louis University studying Public Health and Psychology. He had a productive summer, completing several important projects with the DOLF Project, a research center and lab that focuses on neglected diseases and is one of the largest global health research projects at Washington University in St. Louis. Among the projects Michael completed a geospatial analysis of environmental factors that impact the transmission and prevalence of onchocerciasis (oncho) and lymphatic filariasis (LF) in the African nations Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire. He also collaborated on the production of a video that will enhance communication about the DOLF Project’s clinical trial, Safety and Efficacy of Novel Combination Regimens for Treatment of Onchocerciasis, in Bong Country, Liberia. In addition, he supported the DOLF lab by participating in field work. He joined members of the DOLF lab team to catch crayfish in the Huzzah River in Missouri that were used in the lab to help develop a diagnostic test for human paragonimiasis, a parasitic worm infection. He presented his work at the end of the summer program on July 24 at Washington University School of Medicine. Read more about Michael’s experiences in his blog post here.
The work Michael accomplished with the DOLF Project will have a lasting impact on the research center. In addition, he has shared that he will take with him several new skills and a new perspective on public health research. In addition to learning about the pathogenesis of oncho and LF, he learned how to model the methodology of a systematic review, conduct data analysis, visualize data, and search open-access databases. He also learned three new programs – Adobe Premiere Pro, R, and ArcGIS Pro – to accomplish his work.
“My main takeaway from this experience is the importance of adopting a global perspective, whether one is engaged in domestic or international work. Applying my skills in a variety of new and diverse contexts has opened up opportunities for growth and development. By stepping out of familiar environments and embracing new professional settings, I can enhance my abilities and gain a deeper, more nuanced understanding of my field. This approach not only broadens my experiences but also equips me with the adaptability needed to thrive in the public health field,” Michael said.
Michael plans to apply to MPH programs after he completes his bachelor’s degree. The tremendous eagerness to absorb new information, ability to learn and adapt quickly, and dedication to the field of public health that Michael brought to his work with the DOLF Project will lead him to a promising career as a leader in public health.