Adiba Syed is a fourth-year public policy student passionate about healthcare policy and data analysis. Throughout her research journey at Ivan Allen College, she has worked on a VIP team, as a research assistant, at an internship, and more.
"To me, research transcends data generation and represents a pathway to creating tangible change within communities,” Syed said. “As a public policy student at the Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts, I've gained a profound understanding of the importance of blending technical skills with a nuanced comprehension of healthcare's social and human complexities.”
Read about Syed's experiences in her own words!
Syed helped organize the 2024 Atlanta Workshop on Public Policy and Child Wellbeing.
Syed (right) with Bullinger (left)
Syed with the Trachoma Control Group she interned with at The Carter Center
VIP Program
When I began my first semester at Georgia Tech in the Fall of 2022, I was interested in merging technical data analysis skills to improve access to tailored healthcare treatments, particularly amid the vast disparities in different healthcare systems.
Initially, I was uncertain about how to channel my interests into something tangible. Luckily, I discovered the Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) at Georgia Tech, which enable students to engage in meaningful projects while refining technical abilities.
I collaborated with peers from various majors — from computer science and biology to engineering and liberal arts — and we developed a comprehensive database mapping individuals to optimal diabetes treatments based on their co-morbidities and the policies in their respective states.
I wholeheartedly recommend exploring VIP programs to fellow Ivan Allen College students because they provide exposure to a spectrum of projects and foster collaboration across disciplines. Participating in a VIP strengthened my data analysis skills, propelling me toward further research opportunities.
Research Assistant
In Spring 2023, I worked with Dr. Lindsey Rose Bullinger.
We studied the impact of Uber's donation of 50,000 free rides to domestic violence shelters. It felt like a scavenger hunt as I meticulously collected and analyzed data from disparate sources, including 911 call logs and health outcome statistics.
Now, I am working on a new project with Dr. Bullinger examining whether safety net programs should encompass essential items like diapers and menstrual products. This initiative seeks to address policy gaps through evidence-based practices.
Additionally, I've had the privilege of assisting Dr. Bullinger with two conferences focused on maternal and child wellbeing, where scholars worldwide converge to present meticulously researched work, informing crucial policy decisions.
Internship
This past fall, I interned with the data analytics team for the Trachoma Control Program at The Carter Center.
This experience provided invaluable insights into rural health from a global perspective. Specifically, we worked with communities in Amhara, Ethiopia, to reduce an eye disease called trachoma among mothers and children.
The current World Health Organization policy advocates for a single dose. However, our study suggested that a biannual dosage targeted towards younger children may be more effective in regions with a higher prevalence of trachoma.
This insight could significantly influence future approaches to combating this debilitating disease, potentially leading to more targeted and impactful interventions.
Get Involved!
Being part of Ivan Allen College at Georgia Tech has allowed me to benefit from the best of both worlds.
The strong emphasis on analytical and statistical approaches to complex issues has equipped me with the tools necessary for evidence-based policy evaluations. This multidimensional education has been instrumental in shaping my perspective and preparing me to address multifaceted challenges in the field of healthcare policy.
Ready to learn more about the myriad ways you can follow your passion for research?
Check out IAC's comprehensive undergraduate research guide or connect with an undergraduate research ambassador to begin your journey!
