What big problem are you working on?
I am interested in menopause health.
What is the scope of the problem?
Menopause affects a significant portion of the population. In the U.S., an estimated 6,000 women daily and more than 2 million women yearly reach menopause. With an average life expectancy of 81, women are spending more than one-third of their lives in menopause. Menopause signifies the transition from a woman's fertile to infertile stage, marking one of the pivotal events in their reproductive life cycle. This phase is characterized by numerous physiological changes that can negatively impact a woman's overall well-being.
How do you anticipate your research helping to solve that problem?
I foresee that my research will critically contribute to shaping policy decisions. The impact of policy on the healthcare journeys and outcomes of menopausal women cannot be overstated. Although I have yet to delineate a specific policy focus, my interests span various domains, including comprehensive healthcare coverage, research funding, provider education, public health initiatives, workplace accommodations, and inclusion in clinical guidelines. These policy avenues hold the potential to bolster the health and welfare of women as they navigate the menopausal transition.
How has ARCS funding supported you in your academic work and personal life?
ARCS funding has been an invaluable support both academically and personally. It significantly eased my transition from Arkansas to Oregon last fall, enabling me to secure housing and essential items for my new home. Moreover, academically, it has provided me with the means to obtain all necessary course materials and additional technology resources. ARCS funding has been instrumental in my ability to engage fully with my studies and strive for academic excellence.
Anything else you'd like to share with the ARCS community?
I want to thank Jamie and Mike Anderson for their support. They have made me feel welcome in the ARCS community and Portland area, and I look forward to sharing my research in the future.
