“I learned that when you’re motivated to try something new, to build bridges with your ideas, there really is no limit to what you can accomplish.”-- Aman Prasad, high school senior from Pocatello, Idaho during 2005-2006 YES Competition
“Close the gap so that others can enjoy the same sort of things you’ve been able to do . . . Don’t use your education just to make money. Use it to help close the gap for those that come after you . . . never rest.”—William H. Foege, Emeritus Presidential Distinguished Professor of International Health, Emory University during the 2005-2006 YES Competition
In a world where public health issues are prevalent and their solutions often elusive, the Young Epidemiology Scholars Competition has sparked the interest of high school students across the nation. About 700 high school juniors and seniors entered research projects in the 2005-06 YES Competition. Each year, the YES Competition awards nearly $460,000 in college scholarships to 120 students.
Aman Prasad and Natalia Nazarewicz of Oak Ridge, Tenn., were the co-winners of the third annual YES Competition. Both received a $50,000 college scholarship. Prasad conducted a study of high school students that he says suggests that physical activity could mitigate some of the negative affects of minor mood disorders. Nazarewicz surveyed more than 1,000 high school students in her area and found that one in four reported deliberately harming themselves in response to stress.
This April, the two national winners were chosen from among 60 regional finalists invited to come to Washington, D.C., for the final rounds of competition. Over the course of a weekend, the finalists presented their research to a panel of judges that included some of the nation’s top epidemiologists and public health officials as well as high school teachers and curriculum developers. The 60 finalists presented research on a variety of important topics, such as avian flu, the correlation between asthma and obesity, and the effects of Hurricane Katrina.
While in Washington, D.C, the students dined at the National Academy of Sciences where they were able to meet with epidemiologists as well as listen to an inspiring address by Dr. William Foege, Emeritus Presidential Distinguished Professor of International Health at Emory University, and senior fellow at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He described his experience during smallpox eradication, international efforts to distribute the drug for river blindness (onchocerciasis) in Africa, the challenges of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and the lessons he had learned throughout his illustrious career.
The YES Competition is a collaborative effort, supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and administered by the College Board. “We could not be prouder of the initiative, talent, and hard work these students have displayed during this competition. We know they are going to be difference makers, dedicated to improving the lives of others,” said Dr. Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, president and chief executive officer of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
The two national YES winners, Natalia and Aman, will be recognized at the 134th APHA Annual Meeting, Nov. 4-8 in Boston, during the Epidemiology Section Awards. Please attend and recognize the best in epidemiology this year!
For more information on the YES program, please visit: <http://www.collegeboard.com/yes> or contact Nisha Harinath, Program Manager, at <nharinath@collegeboard.org>. Also, if you have an available summer project, please consider supporting the future of epidemiology by becoming a summer project mentor for students who have completed the competition.
Submitted by Nisha Harinath, YES Program Manager
Robin Taylor Wilson, APHA Epidemiology Section