UHP Discover
Over the summer of 2024, I had the pleasant opportunity to work for Dr. Isaac Campos on the Drug Overdose Epidemic. Focusing on the word "heroin," I read over 400 newspapers from the Cincinnati Enquirer starting in 1995 through to 1998 on this topic. The goal was to discover the true story behind the cause of the opioid epidemic and if heroin had anything to do with it. Keep reading for more on what I found.
Topic
Under the mentorship of Dr. Isaac Campos, I worked to discover the connection between heroin addiction and the opioid epidemic. Cincinnati is a ground zero, but there has been little to no research done. Our mission was to lead this investigation by starting in 1995. Four years before when the story is being told to have started,
Progress
I read over 500 archival newspapers from the Cincinnati Enquirer with a specific focus on the word "heroin". I kept a thorough timeline of specific events, and logged every use of the word heroin in an excel sheet with good notes to summarize the events. In addition, I read "Dreamland" by Sam Quinones to help assist with my overall background knowledge of the topic. By the end, I was able to discover an underlying story behind the opioid epidemic. I presented my findings at the University Honors Program's Discover Research Conference.
Reflection
I gained valuable skills in research and analysis by conducting literature reviews and analyzing historical data to uncover trends and assess public health responses. I managed data using statistical software and communicated findings through clear, detailed reports and presentations. Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, I contributed to project planning and developed proficiency in various research tools and methodologies. These experiences sharpened my critical thinking, data management, and communication skills, equipping me for future challenges in public health and research.