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Three Master of Public Health candidates from the University of New Haven had the opportunity to present their research at the (NERHA) Annual Conference in Mystic, Connecticut. This marked their first time showcasing work they developed through the WeEmbody Lab, a research initiative dedicated to improving the health of marginalized communities across the country.

Attending and presenting at the NERHA conference was one of the most enriching professional experiences I’ve ever had. Presenting my first-ever poster at a professional conference felt like a defining moment. It helped me realize that even as an emerging researcher, my contributions can add value to the field. It felt surreal to step into a role I’ve admired in others, sharing my work with seasoned professionals and contributing to the larger conversation on public health.

For me, the highlight was the pre-conference workshop on ageism. It was thought-provoking to explore how societal perceptions of aging impact our policies and interpersonal behaviors. It reminded me that public health is as much about shifting mindsets as it is about implementing programs.

I presented a poster titled, "Prevalence of Cyberbullying in a Sample of U.S. Sexual Minority Men." This research, conducted as part of the Men’s Body Project, brought to light critical insights into cyberbullying disparities within this community. Among the 549 participants surveyed, 21.5 percent reported experiencing cyberbullying in the past year. Notably, bisexual men faced a significantly higher prevalence compared to gay men. These findings highlight the disproportionate challenges bisexual men encounter and underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to address such inequities in online safety and mental health.

Beyond the presentation, the conference exposed me to the persistent social inequities that exist in rural health. It deepened my understanding of how every small action, whether through research, advocacy, or intervention, has the potential to create long-lasting change. This experience has strengthened my resolve to focus my career on addressing disparities in underserved communities and has given me a renewed sense of purpose in my work.

I am incredibly grateful to my mentor, Dr. Alvin Tran. He has led me through every step of the research process, from data analysis to creating a compelling poster presentation.

Dr. Tran’s own data provided the foundation for this work, and his dedication to fostering a culture of mentorship and collaboration in his lab has been inspiring. The WeEmbody Lab, under Dr. Tran’s leadership, has been pivotal in shaping my perspective on health disparities and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in public health.

My journey so far has taught me that creating change is not just about addressing systemic challenges but also about cultivating empathy and understanding at every step. I’m excited to continue this journey, using research and advocacy to contribute to a healthier and more equitable world.

Attending this conference deepened my understanding of rural health and the challenges rural populations face, especially with limited access to healthcare. The research shared by others opened my eyes to these pressing issues, motivating me to shift my focus toward improving health outcomes in rural areas. This experience has inspired me to pursue solutions for better healthcare access and sparked a passion for working on health equity in underserved communities.

This was my second time presenting at a conference, but my first time sharing research in the United States. One of the most eye-opening moments was learning about ageism, which gave me a new perspective. I connected with people who share similar goals and had the chance to explore some fascinating work in public health.

Crafting a strong study that resonated with the conference theme was key. I dedicated significant time to researching and developing my project, with invaluable support from my mentor, Dr. Tran. He encouraged me to share my work and provided feedback that helped refine my abstract. This experience reflects my commitment to conducting high-quality research and effectively communicating its significance to the broader public-health community.

I’ve been exploring some aspects of gay and bisexual men’s health. Specifically, I wanted to understand how substance use such as smoking, vaping, drinking, or using marijuana might be connected to risky sexual health practices in sexual-minority men. My research revealed consistent patterns where gay and bisexual men who used substances were more likely to engage in riskier sexual behaviors compared to non-users, and this trend was consistent across all substances studied.

Overall, I loved how people engaged with my work, offering suggestions on how I could improve it. The opportunity to share knowledge and connect with others was such an amazing experience for me.

The NERHA conference provided an incredible avenue to grow my professional network through its student mixer and networking session. These offered opportunities to exchange ideas with fellow students and engage with mentors who shared insights on Ph.D. applications, research ideas, and potential work/internship prospects.

Additionally, this experience served as a foundation for honing scientific communication skills and refining one’s research. As someone previously unfamiliar with rural health, I gained a deeper understanding of rural healthcare systems and the challenges facing rural communities.

My research focused on the association between substance use and erectile dysfunction in sexual minority men in the US. Close to 30 percent of respondents reported experiencing ED, with bisexual men showing a higher prevalence compared to gay men (34.2 percent vs 25.2 percent). All substances – marijuana, e-cigarettes, and smoking – were significantly associated with erectile dysfunction, except for alcohol.

Though nerve-wracking, presenting my research was an invaluable experience that helped boost my confidence and refine my public speaking skills. It also offered an opportunity for me to engage, exchange ideas, and learn from experts in the public health space. This proved pivotal in shaping and strengthening my research paper.

Acsah Mathews ’25 MPH, Moushume Chowdhury ’25 MPH, and Marion Otieno ’25 MPH are candidates in the University’s Master of Public Health Program.