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.

Hightlights

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