Marcus Presents at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students


January 25, 2016

Amidst my first semester as both a PAF placed in the GW Rodham Institute and a MPH student, I was invited to present my research at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students, in Seattle, Washington. The invitation follows my research this past summer when I participated in Project IMHOTEP, an 11-week internship through Morehouse College that afforded me the opportunity to conduct research at both the Centers for Disease Control and Morehouse School of Medicine under the leadership of Dr. Hopkins and Dr. Offoegbu.

The purpose of my research was to employ a mixed method, community-informed approach to identify, organize, and map healthy eating and active living (HEAL) built environment, services, and other health resources in a low-income, predominantly African American community in Southwest Atlanta, GA. Many low-income communities possess viable resources and assets that, when strategically promoted, may ameliorate barriers and promote access and demand for healthy alternatives. Public health professionals are often challenged with identifying these resources and linking at-risk community members in a systematic fashion.

Prospective community assets were identified using several methods: internet searches, windshield surveys, audits of existing resource guides, neighborhood windshield surveys, phone calls, visits to local sites, and the dissemination of a brief stakeholder survey among APN stakeholders. Inclusion criteria was extended to local business, medical and health services, CBOs, community entrepreneurs, and physical spaces offering low-cost or free physical activity and nutrition opportunities on a regular basis. Over a 7-week period, more than 60 assets were identified, and the analysis of the collected data served to inform the lay health advocates that service this community and other healthcare providers.

Being able to present my findings to over 3,000 minority students and other distinguished public health officials was a rewarding experience. I hope to bring the knowledge and connections back to DC to inform my work and future studies.