GRACELYN BUSH 2022 Posters-at-the-Capitol Spotlight

Gracelyn Bush

Junior, Public Health major 

Research Mentor: Dr. Dana Quesinberry

I enjoy research because.... "I enjoy research because it allows me to help further the mission of the University of Kentucky, specifically the College of Public Health. As a public health student and future provider, I believe in the responsibility of promoting population health. Research with KIPRC has allowed me to help identify health problems occurring in a vulnerable Kentucky population. The University of Kentucky is moving mountains in many ways and I am humbled to be even a small part of that change."

How did you first get interested in undergraduate research at UK?

"I enjoy research because it allows me to help further the mission of the University of Kentucky, specifically the College of Public Health. As a public health student and future provider, I believe in the responsibility of promoting population health. Research with KIPRC has allowed me to help identify health problems occurring in a vulnerable Kentucky population. The University of Kentucky is moving mountains in many ways and I am humbled to be even a small part of that change." 

How long have you been engaged in undergraduate research?

"I have been engaged in research for 2 semesters."

What has been the most exciting aspect of your research so far?

"The most exciting aspect of my research so far is being a part of the cross-section between analyzing and interpreting data for a new project for KIPRC. Rather than relying on old data sources, as typically done in the classroom setting, I was able to work with data from the 2020 Kentucky Outpatient Service and Inpatient Hospitalization Database. It was exciting to be able to share this data with Dr. Quesinberry, as I found important correlations through my research project. I am proud of the work that has been done and I hope that KIPRC can continue to explore the cooccurrence of drug use and brain injury."

What advice would you give to other UK students thinking about doing research?

"I would encourage other students to connect with their program advisors and explore the community partners that the University of Kentucky works with. When preparing to begin my undergraduate research, I would have never expected to be partnered with the Kentucky Injury and Prevention Research Center. However, it has been a great partnership and I hope to continue working with KIPRC as a prospective graduate student."