Six weeks ago, I wrote about wanting to strike a balance between rigorous science and community-centered research. Looking back, this question has been the most defining theme of my summer, and navigating it has been more rewarding and complicated than I had initially anticipated.
I came in expecting to spend much of my summer focused on statistical methods and quantitative findings. While that has been important work, some of the most formative learning came through the literature review: tracing how federal Indian policy, extractive industry siting, and water infrastructure inequity have produced the adverse health outcomes documented in many Indigenous communities today.
My relationship with my mentor has also grown invaluably, and has allowed me to see concepts I had previously encountered in theory being applied in practice. Watching my mentor use cultural humility and research collaboration in real public health contexts emphasized how these processes can unite people across disciplines to address large-scale issues in sustainable and equitable ways.
Now, I’m focused on refining my paper’s central argument so that its broader implications are clear and provide genuine value for both academic audiences and the communities that the research concerns. As someone who cares deeply about science communication, I want to ensure that my research abstract, paper, and poster remain accessible and contribute to conversations about structural determinants of health and Indigenous health equity. I feel that this summer has given me a stronger foundation for doing this work thoughtfully, and I look forward to carrying these lessons forward.