Youth Summer Research Program
Summer Youth Research Program (SYRP)
The SASH Lab at Yale Summer Youth Research Program, was a six-week initiative aimed to inspire train the next generation of data scientists, public health researchers, and substance use prevention scientists in New Jersey. The program was held at Essex County College in Newark, New Jersey to be accessible for youth living in New Jersey. Through a hands-on curriculum, participants engaged in projects that addressed the root causes of substance use disorders, particularly in urban communities like Paterson and East Orange, New Jersey. The program was made possible due to funding from the National Institute of Drug Abuse,
Students were exposed to a 6-week curriculum that was taught by SASH Lab staff and expert consultants in data science, social media and health communication, and advocacy. The program included workshops on creating research questions, health messaging, data analysis, and mental health, alongside special guest lectures. Participants also had the opportunity to visit Yale University for campus and lab tours and a community forum that included community leaders from New Jersey to deepen their exposure to academic and professional public health environments.
Goals
This program was designed to:
1.Empower the next generation of public health scientists of color interested in data science and substance use prevention
2.Teach the future generation about data science, artificial intelligence and public health
3.Equip them with the skills needed to contribute to a movement that champions advocacy in scientific research.
Curriculum
Our curriculum encompassed a broad array of topics, with advocacy woven throughout each lesson. Students explored Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Artificial Intelligence, and public health principles, while also learning how to conduct research and enhance substance use prevention strategies.
Workshop Series
Orientating & welcome introduction to substance use advocacy and empowerment
Introduction to public health & research advocacy and empowerment
Creating a research question health messaging with special guest: Dr. Stevens
Drafting a research plan introduction to mental health yale trips(July 23rd & 25th)
Introduction to data analysis film project building support system
Bridging the gap in social resources film project conclusion and reflections
Joann Kamara A Living Shield
The girl in the photo is shielding herself from substance abuse. That’s why I added the smoke affect to show that even though she is around that influence she is not part taking in the activity.
Maya Iwuala Rejecting the past: A future without addiction.
Empowered and Unstoppable: Teens of 2053 Standing Strong Against Substance Use, Redefining Their Future with Health, Confidence, and Unity.”
Malakhi Noble Healthy Paterson
This design captures the feel of safety in Paterson with no guns or drugs.
Kennedy White The End of Access to Vaping and The Beginning of Future Scholars
The access of vapes within North Jersey and how it affects teens academic behaviors
Leah Eke Youth Take Initiative
A photovoice taken that shows what the future would look like if all Preteens in an urban community had the perception that nicotine and marijuana use are harmful.
Hightlights
Nine-year-old Bobbi Wilson was the subject of a police complaint in her hometown of Caldwell, New Jersey while she was working
Our Junior Scientists
Name | City | Name | City |
---|---|---|---|
Kennedy White | Montclair | Leah Eke | Union |
Christopher Merilus | East Orange | Brandon Holte | Union |
Mary Ojo | Newark | Maya Iwuala | West Orange |
Izabelle Grullon | Teaneck | Peace Kanikwu | West Orange |
Joann Kamara | Somerset | Delina Belay | Montclair |
Ashley Lee | East Orange | Aliyah Aldorphe | West Orange |
Golden Yeboah | Newark | Amarachukwu Emmanuel | West Orange |
Jenna Alrifai | Wayne | Gabrielle St.Clair | East Orange |
Ivette Cole | Paterson | Keyla Salas | East Orange |
Kimora McQueen Johnson | Paterson | Maklakhi Noble | Paterson |
Bahsir Gillespie | Paterson | Ife Joseph | Montclair |