UTEP CHS Goes Global - MHIRT 2018 Trainees Travel to Costa Rica and Panama
MHIRT 2018 trainees departed for their international research experience during the weekend of June 16th. UTEP CHS collaborative partners INDICASAT and Instituto Gorgas in Panama were assigned four students: Lenore Monterroza (Biology major), Claritsa Perez-Estrada (Nursing major), Vicente Cobos (Psychology and Health Promotion major) and Brenda Baca (Clinical Laboratory Sciences major). Research projects in Pamana include such areas as Hanta Virus, older adult population studies, and nutritional issues of HIV patients.
Universidad de Costa Rica INISA and Escuela de Enfermeria in San Jose received six MHIRT trainees who are conducting research in a wide array of areas to include elderly populations, occupational health hazards, and water contaminants. Students who will be engaged in research activities in Costa Rica include Jessica Velazquez (Biology major), Evelyn Tovanche (Biological Sciences major), Paulette Ramirez (Chemistry major), Jesus Reyes (Biology major), Selene Quetzal Lopez (Kinesiology major) and Natassia Lozano (Nursing major).
In preparation for their international research experience, all MHIRT trainees participate in numerous activities including academic preparation in Hispanic health disparities, directed research methods and pre-departure cultural orientation. The attached photos show the MHIRT group’s collages based on themes they will encounter during their stay as well as the group’s Leadership Ropes Challenge course.
During their eight-week international research training program, MHIRT trainees reside with homestay families and engage in cultural activities in their respective countries. Upon completion of their MHIRT research projects, all trainees present their research work at the annually scheduled MHIRT Research Symposium. The 2018 Symposium is scheduled for August 15 at 1:00 p.m. at HSN 211. The University community is invited and encouraged to attend.
For additional information on the MHIRT program, please visit the website at: https://www.utep.edu/chs/mhirt/index.html or call the MHIRT Program Office at 915-747-8585.
<Photos courtesy of Ivan Aguirre/UTEP Communications
