Conferences & Talks

Attending Dr. Rachel Hall's book launch for "Underbelly" was a profound experience that resonated deeply with my focus on health equity in research. As a member of the Women in Global Health Georgia Chapter, I was delighted to be invited. The book’s exploration of the hidden struggles within healthcare systems highlighted the urgent need to address disparities, particularly for marginalized populations. This aligns closely with my own research, where I strive to uncover and address health inequities through innovative, community-centered approaches. "Underbelly" reinforced the importance of amplifying underrepresented voices in my work, reminding me to approach health research not just as a data-driven endeavor but as a mission to promote inclusivity and justice in health outcomes.

​I’m excited to have completed the Sex Education Initiative's Professional Training Program at Teachers College, Columbia University, where I gained valuable insights into Reproductive Identity Formation. This training has enhanced my ability to foster inclusive, empathetic conversations on reproductive health, which I’ll apply to my research and teaching. I look forward to integrating these skills into my work on sexual health communication and chatbot technology, creating more supportive, informed environments for learning. and health education.

Attending the International Communication Association conference in Gold Coast, Australia, was an incredible experience. The highlight of the event was winning second prize for our poster presentation, co-authored with Dr. Michael Kim. Our poster, titled "Do We Look Good? Mediating NGO Legitimacy in Social Media," received significant attention and acclaim. It was an honor to present our research on the impact of social media on NGO legitimacy and to engage with fellow scholars and practitioners in the field. This recognition not only validated our hard work but also provided a platform to share our insights on a global stage.

The conference discussions on interoperability, data exchange, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity have provided a solid foundation for evaluating various aspects of the digital health ecosystem. As a mixed-methods researcher, I am excited to leverage this understanding to design comprehensive research methodologies that capture the complexities of digital health interventions and their integration into healthcare systems.

Attended the two-day forum about real-world examples of benefits and risks of AI's application in healthcare. I learned more about the latest research and technology developments in patient care and unpacked how to responsibly and ethically include AI in healthcare. In particular, I was very interested in exploring the benefits and drawbacks of using LLMs such as ChatGPT for healthcare decisions. 

Attended talks and workshops about artificial intelligence, health technology and innovative health interventions.

Examining the facilitators and barriers of promoting STI self-test kits on college campuses. Outstanding Poster Award 

Health Education Campaigns (Memes, Entertainment Education). Halifax Sexual Health Center Community-Based Program.

​S, D., Fraser, S., & Dhara, A. (2020, September). A new norm: An analysis of Singapore’s digital interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Attending Dr. Arvind Singhal's talk on "The Positive Deviance Approach" offered valuable insights into innovative strategies for social and behavioral change. I learned how leveraging unconventional behaviors within a community can effectively address health challenges, such as reducing malnutrition and hospital-acquired infections. This approach, which emphasizes finding cost-effective and culturally appropriate solutions from within the community, resonated with my research in health communication. It challenges traditional expert-driven methods, highlighting the importance of amplifying community voices to achieve sustainable change.

I had the privilege of presenting my poster, "A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Empathy in UX Research," to a diverse audience of UX professionals and enthusiasts. The conference provided an excellent platform to showcase my work and share practical insights on integrating empathy into the UX research process. Engaging with attendees and receiving their positive feedback was truly inspiring, and it reinforced the importance of empathy in creating user-centered designs. This opportunity not only enhanced my professional growth but also contributed to the broader UX community's understanding of empathetic research practices.

Had an enriching experience at HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition 2024! Gratitude to all who contributed to making this conference unforgettable. From discussions on AWS shaping the future of data to the imperative for digital transformation in healthcare research environments, every session was insightful.

Attended the online conference learning more about key issues at the intersection of health care, public health, policymaking, and technology. I was very interested in the talks and forum discussions about AI in healthcare and its impact on the public health sector. 

Attended webinar about accessible healthcare technologies, AI, wearables, remote monitoring, innovative engagement models, and data strategies. 

Attending the American Public Health Association Conference 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia, was a rewarding and insightful experience. I presented my poster, "The Motivators and Challenges Young Adults Faced When Using Sexual Health Chatbot, Roo," which explored the drivers and obstacles young adults encounter with this digital tool. Engaging with public health professionals, researchers, and practitioners, I shared insights on enhancing Roo's effectiveness. The conference fostered valuable discussions and connections, reinforcing the importance of user-centered design in health interventions. Presenting at APHA was a significant milestone, contributing to the dialogue on leveraging technology for better sexual health education.

Terui, S., S.D., & Acheampong, B. (2022, June). Language-discordance and its impacts in healthcare: Patients’ perspectives on barriers to equity in health. 

The Role of Nonverbal Communication by Leaders during a Pandemic. Top paper finalist

​Yue, Z., S, D., & Wang, H. (2018, September). What is the reason why? How the mainstream news media covered 13 Reasons Why.