What UROP Program(s) were you a part of?

Traditional UROP as a Freshman (2009-2010)

Research Scholars (2010-2011)

What made you choose UROP?

As a first generation college student, a great opportunity for a work study program that also exposed me to research and college faculty.

 

What do you think you have learned from your UROP experience?

It was my first taste into Public Health research, which is now my full time career. I learned how to professionally interact with research faculty and build connections. My research project in UROP ultimately led me to attend graduate school for Public Health.

What is the extent to which you have kept in contact with your Research Mentor?

We kept in touch during my undergrad years, and she wrote a recommendation letter for me for graduate school.

How did your UROP experience shape or inform the next steps you took in your academic and professional journey?

It was my first exposure to the field of public health, specifically in Health Behavior and Education research. This led to take undergraduate coursework in public health, and then eventually to graduate school at Michigan for public health. I now work full time in Health Services Research at the Mayo Clinic.

Where are you in your professional journey?

Program Manager in the Center for the Science of Healthcare Delivery at The Mayo Clinic. I support the research programs of several faculty at the Mayo Clinic, specifically focused on Health Services Research and improving patient experiences and outcomes.

What advice would you give to a current UROP student?

Take the opportunity to connect with a faculty member and explore potential areas of interest for your future career. Work hard, and take advantage of gaining valuable professional experience.

What are some recent publications or accomplishments that you are proud of?

Miller N, Angstman KB, van Ryn M, Garrison GM, Fischer K, Phelan S. The Association of Direct Observation of Medical Students With Patient-Centered Care for Obesity. Fam Med. 2020;52(4):271-277. doi:10.22454/FamMed.2020.314090

Phelan, S. M., Bangerter, L. R., Friedemann-Sanchez, G., Lackore, K. A., Morris, M. A., Van Houtven, C. H., Carlson, K. F., van Ryn, M., Harden, K. J., & Griffin, J. M. (2018). The Impact of Stigma on Community Reintegration of Veterans With Traumatic Brain Injury and the Well-Being of Their Caregivers. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 99(11), 2222–2229. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2018.04.007

Phelan, S. M., Burke, S. E., Cunningham, B. A., Perry, S. P., Hardeman, R. R., Dovidio, J. F., Herrin, J., Dyrbye, L. N., White, R. O., Yeazel, M. W., Onyeador, I. N., Wittlin, N. M., Harden, K., & van Ryn, M. (2019). The Effects of Racism in Medical Education on Students' Decisions to Practice in Underserved or Minority Communities. Academic medicine : journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges, 94(8), 1178–1189. https://doi.org/10.1097/ACM.0000000000002719