Sofia and her team getting to know each other.
Published February 20, 2014, last updated on April 9, 2018 under Education News
Sofia Stafford, a freshman and member of the DGHI Student Council, is a blogger for the Duke Admissions Blog.
Where do funky hats, videos, team projects, and pizza night come together?
This semester I am taking a class called Fundamentals of Global Health with Professor David Boyd (aka the Bald Guru). It has been a fascinating class that combines thought provoking lectures, compiled case studies, team challenges, and hands on activities to apply what we learn inside the classroom to real work global health situations.
To continue the conversation outside of the classroom, we have the opportunity to post, comment, and collaborate on global health news and issues on our class blog. I have learned not just from Dr. Boyd, but from all my peers. Despite the relatively early class time (for college students at least), every time I step into class, I immediately feel the excitement and interest fill the room. We are all eager to learn more from Dr. Boyd and put our knowledge to the test through our team challenges and activities. And what happens when our awesome professor goes to Bolivia to work on his global health research and can’t physically be in class? He lectures in Bolivia through Skype!
In addition to many other global health classes offered through the Duke Global Health Institute, I have taken advantage of some of the programs and initiatives that the Institute offers for undergraduates who want to pursue their interests and passion in health around the world. I love attending the monthly Breakfast Club with DGHI or visiting faculty discussing their research and work, and the Journal Club that brings together students from all schools and areas of study to talk about articles relating to global health topics.
Did I mention all the Bass Connections in Global Health that give students an opportunity to work in teams on a project in our community or aboard? Or how about the Student Research Training Program, which trains undergraduates to develop and implement a community-based project around the world? Even as a freshman, I have been able to get involved in projects, talk to professors one-on-one, and attend several speakers and events all offered through the Duke Global Health Institute. The opportunities and experiences are endless!
If you are like me and are interested in pursing a career in Global Health, then Duke will certainly provide you with the chance to explore your interests and discover interests you never knew you had.
