2013-2014 Graduate Research Projects
GLOBAL HEALTH
Faculty Name: Suruchi Sood
Project Title: Research and Analysis of the Role of Social and Behavior Change Interventions in
Addressing Violence Against Children at the Global Level
Reference Title: Sood - Global
Projection Description:
This current project involves 2 manuscript writing tasks:
1. Utilizing Entertainment-Education to Address Health. This project involves analysis and writing results
from data collected as part of an evaluation of an entertainment-education television program in India
“Kyunki Jeena Issi Ka Naam Hai” This program deals with 13 leading causes of morbidity and mortality
from a lifecycle perspective. In addition it also addresses gender and development issues based on
UNICEF’s Human Rights based approach.
The deliverable from this project will be a manuscript ready for submission for peer review. The student
is expected to conduct a literature review, analysis of quantitative data and write a manuscript.
2. Utilizing data and reports from a violence against children systematic review to write a peer reviewed
journal submission ready manuscript. UNICEF, New York has funded Drexel to conduct a systematic
review of Violence Against Children interventions utilizing social and behavioral change approaches. A
detailed report from this review is expected to be ready by September end 2013. Much of this work has
been conducted in conjunction with current Opening Doors student Carmen Cronin. The new student
will be expected to continue this project review the data and report and write a manuscript ready for
submission to conferences/peer reviewed publication.
Required Skills/Experience: Qualitative analysis; Prepare manuscripts; Literature reviews
Preferred Skills/Experience: Global health experience; Experience working on child health issues; Strong
written communication skills; Strong oral communication skills
Required Software Knowledge/Experience: Qualitative software; Quantitative Software
Preferred Software Knowledge/Experience: Quantitative analysis SPSS and/or STATA; Strong writing
skills.
CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
Faculty Name: Longjian Liu
Project Title: Philadelphia Heart Outcomes Prevention and Evaluation (HOPE) Study
Reference Title: Liu - Heart
Projection Description: Although cardiovascular disease (CVD) disproportionately affects African
Americans and almost 45% of Philadelphia residents are African Americans, few studies in heart health
disparity have been conducted in the greater Philadelphia region. This proposed study aims to evaluate
health disparities in CVD and associated risk factors (i.e., living environment, lifestyle factors, diabetes
mellitus, chronic kidney disease care and biomarkers) by race/ethnicity. The study will be conducted in
two phases: (1) Literature review by searching for published papers and health reports. (2) Hypothesisdriven analysis using data from Hahnemann hospital which is affiliated with Drexel University College of
Medicine, Philadelphia BRFSS and/or HHS (Household Health Survey), state and national data will be
considered as well for the purpose of comparison. Graduate students who are interested in health
disparity studies in hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney
disease epidemiology, and have basic knowledge of biostatistics (i.e., undergraduate level) are welcome
and encouraged to apply for the newly initiated Philadelphia HOPE Study.
Required Skill/Experience: Qualitative analysis; Data collection; Prepare manuscripts; Quantitative
analysis; Prepare presentations; Literature reviews; Prepare IRB materials; Working with community
Required Software Knowledge/Experience: SAS or SPSS
LGBT HEALTH
Faculty Name: Randall Sell
Project Title: Barriers to Collecting Sexual Orientation Data in Survey Research
Reference Title: Sell - Website
Projection Description: I am looking for a student to help collect information to post to GayData.org, to
assist in the creation and updating of web pages, to assess trends in sexual orientation data collection
methods and measures, and to assess the effectiveness of the site at reaching its intended audiences.
Through this work, the student will have contact with researchers around the world working on LGBT
health issues, will gain experience with the creation and maintenance of a website, and will learn how to
assess the effectiveness of using the web to educate researchers and program administrators. There is
also the potential to publish a paper examining trends in sexual orientation data collection.
Required Skills/Experience: Literature Review; Prepare manuscripts; Literature reviews; Excellent
writing skills are required.
Preferred Skills/Experience: Website development skills are desirable but not necessary.
Required Software Knowledge/Experience: Word processing
Faculty Name: Randall Sell
Project Title: Examining Associations between Sexual Orientation and Health Outcomes
Reference Title: Sell - NESARC
Projection Description: I am looking for a student to help analyze data from the National
Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). We’re examining the relationship
between sexual orientation identity, sexual behavior, and sexual attractions. We are exporting how
sexual orientations defined in different ways are associated with different health outcomes. This
research explores the social construction of sexuality and its implications for research. There is the
potential to publish a paper.
Required Skills/Experience: Prepare manuscripts; Literature reviews; Working with the community;
Quantitative Analysis
Preferred Skills/Experience: Experience conducting literature reviews; Excellent writing skills
Required Software Knowledge/Experience: Quantitative software; SAS
LGBT HEALTH
Faculty Name: Augusta Villanueva
Project Title: Identifying the Needs of the LGBTQI Racial Minority Youth in Philadelphia
Reference Title: Villanueva - LGBTQI
Projection Description: This study seeks to develop a needs assessment of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Transgender, Queer, and Intersex (LGBTQI) youth--ages 14 to 21 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a
subgroup experiencing disproportionately negative health outcomes when compared to their
heterosexual peers. The purpose of this study is to identify and document the needs of LGBTQI youth,
especially among racial and ethnic minorities by developing and administering a questionnaire intended
to help us better understand how the presence of risk (i.e., to HIV and STD transmission, housing and
food insecurity, and abuse among others), and protective factors (i.e., positive social norms, social and
family supports, coping and/or resilience) relate to engagement in risky sexual behaviors. This study also
seeks to assess the scope of their vulnerability, as well as to develop recommendations intended to
promote advocacy and responsive social policy. By informing public and private systems of the
characteristics and needs of LGBTQI youths’, we aim to promote the enhancement of protective factors
and well being in this subgroup. The proposed study represents a community-academic partnership
between the Attic Youth Center, Philadelphia’s only independent LGBTQI youth center, and faculty and
students at Drexel University’s School of Public Health whose mission is inextricably linked to human
rights and social justice. The Attic creates opportunities for LGBTQI youth to develop into healthy,
independent, civic-minded adults within a safe and supportive community, and promotes their
acceptance in society through education. The study’s specific aims are:
1. Pilot a mixed methods research study addressing knowledge gaps, and document disparities
surrounding LGBTQI adolescents of color to be achieved through the administration of a needs
assessment survey to approximately 200 youths aged 14-21 in Philadelphia. Gaps in knowledge
about sexual identity development, sexuality, patterns of risky sexual behaviors, role of ethnicity
and culture, experiences related to family, and coping and/or resilience among LGBTQI youth
with health problems are especially lacking;
2. Expand upon the significance of same-sex and/or gender-variant behavior in the context of
LGBTQI youths’ racial and ethnic minority cultures by identifying the risk and protective factors
influencing risky sexual behavior. This is critical for adolescents seeking to consolidate multiple
stigmatized identities with specific cultural needs and expectations of family and social
networks, while also navigating developmental stages, and searching for support regarding
same-sex and/or gender variant needs; and
3. Develop recommendations stemming from 1. and 2. above, to enhance public and private
systems, including expansion of data collection methods that define the comprehensive needs of
LGBTQI youth especially relative to sexuality and risk reduction. Recommendations will also be
advanced in support of staff training within mainstream, LGBTQI and family-based programs to
more effectively serve adolescents of color, while increasing their knowledge, awareness, and
participation in support of this subgroup.
The LGBTQI youth population in Philadelphia is heterogeneous; hence the study will seek to capture a
variety of adolescents. Multiple venues for recruitment offer the possibility of approaching a
representative sample of LGBTQI youth. For aim 1, one of the study’s co-investigators, and one
graduate student will enroll approximately 200 participants. Participants will be asked to complete a 4560 minute survey questionnaire. Using the same recruitment strategy, an additional 25 participants will
be selected for completion of a 45-60 minute qualitative semi-structured interview. Qualitative findings
will supplement and further help describe the quantitative results by exploring participants’ views in
more depth, while providing specific context responsive to research questions specified in aims 2 and 3
above. This will facilitate a better understanding of the context of LGBTQI youths’ racial and ethnic
minority cultures surrounding the presence of risk and protective factors, and how these relate to
engagement in risky sexual behaviors. The sampling will be stratified by age to ensure adequate
representation of different groups of LGBTQI youth, guided by sensitivity to race and HIV status to
ensure recruitment of a diverse sample.
The study’s suggested sampling methodology, i.e., size and non-random, may limit generalization to
other regions and populations. However, the proposed sampling should result in a diverse sample of
LGBTQI being enrolled across select variables of interest. Due to the cross-sectional study design, only
associations between presence (or absence) of risk and protective factors, and engagement in risky
sexual behaviors can be inferred rather than causality. Nevertheless, in-depth investigation of in-group
differences enables us to gain additional information regarding the problematic behaviors of LGBTQI
youth. The proposed study relies on participants’ self-reported behaviors, which cannot be
independently verified.
A student researcher engaged in the Opening Doors Training program during the academic year 20122013, developed a draft of the survey questionnaire to be used as part of this study. Currently, staff at
The Attic is reviewing this document. The next developmental phase of this project will continue to
refine this instrument, as well as assist with the study’s survey administration.
Required Skills/Experience: Qualitative Analysis; Data Collection; Quantitative Analysis; Data Input;
Prepare Presentations; Literature Reviews; Working with Community
Preferred Skills/Experience: In addition to a background and experience in statistical as well as
qualitative methods, it will be important for interested students to have strong interpersonal skills in
order to work with LGBTQI youth. Similarly, it may also be helpful to be bilingual and bicultural in
Spanish as some of the populations to be reached will include Latino youth.
Required Software Knowledge/Experience: SAS; Atlas-Ti; SPSS; NVIVO
COMMUNITY HEALTH
Faculty Name: Ann Klassen
Project Title: Evaluation of Smoke Free Public Housing
Reference Title: Klassen - Smoke
Projection Description: "Evaluation of Smoke-free Public Housing" is a CDC-funded collaboration
between Drexel SPH, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, and the Philadelphia Housing
Authority. Formative work included in-depth and focus group interviews, and the mixed methods
baseline data collection includes interviews, as well as public space and in home air monitoring, and
ethnographic observations. A student would have the opportunity to participate in data collection,
analysis, preparation of reports and manuscripts, and working with partners and residents to translate
evaluation findings into policy implementation strategies.
Required Skills/Experience: Qualitative Analysis; Data Collection; Prepare Manuscripts; Quantitative
Analysis; Data Input; Prepare Presentations; Literature Reviews; Working with Community
Preferred Skills/Experience: Qualitative Analysis; Data Collection; Prepare Manuscripts; Quantitative
Analysis; Data Input; Prepare Presentations; Literature Reviews; Working with Community
Required Software Knowledge/Experience: N/A
NUTRITION AND DIABETES RESEARCH
Faculty Name: Ann Klassen
Project Title: Formative Evaluation for Salt and Portion Size Media Campaign
Reference Title: Klassen - Salt
Projection Description: "Formative Evaluation for Salt and Portion Size Media Campaign" is a CDCfunded collaboration between the Drexel SPH and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, to
prepare for a media campaign aimed at reducing dietary salt and portion sizes among high-risk adults in
Philadelphia. The student would have the opportunity to analyze formative data, as well as potentially
participate in monitoring and evaluation design and data collection during the media campaign.
Required Skills/Experience: Qualitative Analysis; Data Collection; Prepare Manuscripts; Quantitative
Analysis; Data Input; Prepare Presentations; Literature Reviews; Working with Community
Preferred Skills/Experience: Qualitative Analysis; Data Collection; Prepare Manuscripts; Quantitative
Analysis; Data Input; Prepare Presentations; Literature Reviews; Working with Community
Faculty Name: Nicole Vaughn
Project Title: Getting People In Sync (G.P.S.) Program on Pre-Diabetes Management for African
American Church Members in Philadelphia
Reference Title: Vaughn - Diabetes
Projection Description: In the United States, there are currently 79 million people with pre-diabetes.
The Diabetes Prevention trial demonstrated that some individuals with pre-diabetes move on to
diabetes within 3 years. Studies have consistently shown that individuals with prediabetes who lose
weight and increase their physical activity can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes. In
Philadelphia, diabetes is one of the top 10 leading causes of death in the city. Unfortunately, African
Americans are at increased risk for prediabetes as well as developing the disease. This project is
designed to use the video assets to determine the effectiveness of social support on weight loss for
African Americans recruited from churches in Philadelphia.
Role for ODP student: Research data assistant/group co-facilitator; responsible for managing all data for
the study when in the field; attending meetings, conference calls, writing weekly session report
summaries; ensuring all data and materials are complete and distributed to the church facilitators;
review all program materials and be able to lead portions of weekly group session in the field; assist
church facilitators/research team when needed for recruitment events, data collection in the field.
Occasional weekend work.
Required Skills/Experience: Data Collection; Data Input; Prepare Presentations; Literature Reviews;
Prepare IRB Materials; Working with Community
Preferred Skills/Experience: Highly organized and professional; Detail oriented; Experience working
with community settings; Strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills; Ability to work
independently on assigned tasks/problem solving ability; Ability to work well within a group/team on
assigned tasks; Ability to travel (weekly to site)
Required Software Knowledge/Experience: Quantitative software; SPSS; RedCAP; Excel
MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH
Faculty Name: Marcia Polansky
Project Title: Evaluation of arts and crafts activities for increasing self-esteem and community building
in an after school program for low-income children
Reference Title: Polansky - MCH
Projection Description: Dr. Polansky’s research project is an art activity intervention for children for
improving self-esteem, community spirit and communication skills in underserved communities. The
research project is a collaboration of Dr. Polansky and the East Park Revitalization Alliance (EPRA). The
mission of EPRA is to: “build a healthy community in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood focusing on
environmental improvement and health promotion”. EPRA provides a summer camp and afterschool
programming for the children. The art activity is part of the summer camp and the afterschool program.
The Opening Doors student will be involved in implementing and enhancing the art activity and in
evaluating the art activity. The student will work with the children on the art activity at the recreation
center where the after school program is offered. The evaluation is based on coding for themes in the
art of the children and changes in the themes indicating greater communication skills and expanded
ideas for their futures (e.g. going to college, different career options). The student will computerize the
data in SPSS and run basic descriptive statistics (guided by Dr. Polansky) and assess trends over time.
The Opening Doors student will also assist in reviewing the literature on art activities for promoting
children’s development and in preparing data tables and in writing the results section for a manuscript
on the art activity.
Required Skills/Experience: Data collection; Data input; Prepare presentations; Literature reviews;
Working with community; Excel or knowledge of other spreadsheet program; Knowledge of introductory
statistics
Preferred Skills/Experience: SPSS; Exposure to research or evaluation
Required Software Knowledge/Experience: Excel