Investigating Health Disparities through a Public Health Lens

Students learn how to investigate health disparities through the lens of public health research, integrating social determinants, community needs, and mixed-methods analysis. By the end of the project, they gain experience translating research into actionable, ethical, and data-informed interventions aimed at promoting health equity.
Group size
2 - 5 students
Outcome
A proposal for a community health intervention that addresses a specific health disparity, supported by research and data, and includes actionable strategies and policy recommendations.
Tuition
$490 USD

Cohorts

Healthcare (August)

Completed
Enroll in this cohort
date
August 2, 2025 – September 1, 2025
10 hours of instruction; weekly sessions over 5 weeks
By enrolling you confirm this time works for you.
time
Weekly on Saturdays
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST
taught by
Imani
Imani is pursuing her MS in Applied Data Science at the University of Southern California, where she also earned her BS in Computational Neuroscience.

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Why students should join this project pod 

Despite advancements in medicine, health outcomes remain uneven across populations due to social, economic, and systemic factors. This research project investigates the root causes and potential solutions to health disparities through a public health lens. Students will identify a specific health disparity, such as differences in chronic disease prevalence, access to care, or mental health outcomes, and develop research questions grounded in epidemiological literature, community health frameworks, and social determinants of health. The project emphasizes mixed-methods research, incorporating qualitative interviews, focus groups, or surveys, as well as statistical data analysis using public health datasets. The project culminates in a proposal for a community health intervention that translates students’ research into a concrete solution addressing a specific health disparity. Students will design a targeted intervention, such as a public awareness campaign, school-based initiative, or community outreach program, supported by data, stakeholder insights, and public health frameworks. The proposal will emphasize feasibility, ethical considerations, and the potential for real-world impact.

Week by week curriculum

Week 1

Students explore the concept of health disparities and examine how systemic, economic, and social factors contribute to unequal health outcomes.

Week 2

Students select a specific health disparity and develop research questions informed by epidemiological literature and public health frameworks.

Week 3

Students gather and analyze both qualitative and quantitative data, using interviews, surveys, or public health datasets to investigate their chosen issue.

Week 4

Students synthesize findings to design a targeted community health intervention that addresses the root causes of the disparity.

Week 5

Students present their intervention proposals, highlighting data-driven solutions, ethical considerations, and potential for community impact.

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