FOCUS
Given that Erika understands the importance of serving socially-marginalized communities, she is compelled to utilize research as a vehicle to implement public health solutions. Thus, Erika’s research interests include exploring chronic disease-related relationships between various mental and physical health conditions within the Asian American community and among the Khmer population. She will examine health inequities among disenfranchised communities of color, and address health disparities among underserved populations. Moreover, through a mixed methods and community-based research approach, Erika aspires to design, implement, and improve health programs and policies that leverage the abilities of health research, education, and service to improve the quality of health of marginalized communities.
MORE ABOUT ERIKA
As a child of Khmer refugees, Erika’s lived experiences, familial upbringing, academic and cross-cultural involvements in research, volunteering abroad, and interning at the federal level fostered her commitment to improving health outcomes of underserved communities. Erika values utilizing research as a tool to create actionable solutions.
DISSERTATION GRANT AWARDEE — WINTER 2024
Understanding the Health of Cambodians (in Cambodia and America) and the Overall Refugee Community in America
The dissertation is made up of 3 studies. Driven by the two most recent waves of Demographic and Health Survey data (2014 and 2021-2022), the first study examines the health impacts of the Cambodian genocide on individuals between the ages of 35-42. Informed by qualitative data, the second study analyzes Cambodian American experiences to create an adapted framework specific to this community, whereas the third study illustrates refugee experiences in relation to health through a theoretical model.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE HPRS DISSERTATION AWARDS, CLICK HERE.
