Publications & Presentation Posters

Proximity of Urban Farms to Hazards With and Without Heavy Metal Contamination in Baltimore, Maryland

- Contributing Editor

2021

Abstract:

Previous studies have cited the sociocultural and environmental benefits of urban farming that acts as an effective strategy to address food disparities and sustainability. However, environmental justice advocates have raised concerns regarding the harmful effects that heavy metals from neighboring environmental hazard facilities may have on urban farms. This study utilized geographic information system mapping to track environmental hazards and urban farm locations, spatial analyses to assess proximity of urban farms to sites that emit heavy metals and other pollutants, and statistical analysis to determine the likelihood of urban farms and hazardous sites to collocate with communities of color and low socioeconomic status populations. Analyses indicated that contamination of urban farms in Baltimore City is a possibility due to proximity considerations: more environmental hazards were found in census tracts featuring an urban farm than those that did not, low-income communities of color featured environmental hazards sited in proximity to an urban farm, and a higher concentration of environmental hazards with heavy metal or unknown contamination was found in historically industrial areas. This study indicates that urban planning should consider proximity to current environmental hazards, sociodemographics of the community, and the history of sites before implementing urban farming.

Perceived Discrimination and Multimorbidity Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults

- Primary Author, Master’s Thesis

2020

Abstract:

Multimorbidity, the presence of multiple chronic conditions, is increasingly recognized by researchers as a major health priority. Relative to younger adults, the burden is much higher among middle-aged and older adults with prevalence estimates ranging from 25-98%. Variations in the burden of multimorbidity within the aging population exist with a growing body of research showing racial/ethnic differences in the incidence, prevalence, and severity of multimorbidity.This study analyzed the association between perceived racial discrimination and multimorbidity among middle-aged and older adults and whether or not existing associations vary by race/ethnicity. Findings show that individuals reporting perceived discrimination are more likely to have multimorbidity. While racial/ethnic differences in the association between perceived discrimination and multimorbidity were not observed, Black respondents displayed the greatest risk for multimorbidity. Perceived discrimination may provide insight into why multimorbidity varies by race/ethnicity through the mechanisms of stress responses and health behaviors.

Poster presented at Rochester Youth Year closing ceremony | August 2018

Poster presented at SUNY College at Brockport’s Scholar’s Day | May 2017

Destined to Die Prematurely: An Examination of African American Life Expectancy

- Primary Author, Senior Honors Thesis

2017

Abstract:

Throughout history, researchers have continuously noted the connections between health, its social determinants, and the role that systemic racism has had in creating health disparities including lower life expectancies for black Americans. When compared with other racial groups in the country, African American males and females have experienced shorter life expectancies than the national averages for centuries. People of color are geared toward certain lifestyles because of their history and are sometimes at a disadvantage in regards to achieving and maintaining good health. Rather than accept these instances in history as the causes of racial health disparities, many cite lifestyle as a primary cause, suggesting that health outcomes are simply a matter of individual choice. This ideology, known as healthism, fails to acknowledge how the social determinants of health can impact one’s ability to directly control his or her own health within constrained conditions. The purpose of this study is to analyze the historical underpinnings of racial disparities in health and how they ultimately impact life expectancy in addition to displaying that the healthism ideology is not basis for biological explanation. A collection of articles pertaining to this subject matter were examined from authors in different disciplines including scientists, health professionals, and sociologists. Most writings consisted of studies completed and conclusions drawn from them. Although studies were done from different perspectives and in different disciplines, overall, authors agree that the vestiges of African American oppression in early American history have an influence on various social determinants, especially socioeconomic status, which in turn has an effect on health and ultimately life expectancy.

Poster presented at University at Buffalo Undergraduate Research Conference | August 2016