BRUINS PUBLIC HEALTH

RESEARCH

The Research Committee is dedicated to conducting original, student-led projects and developing a robust health research skillset. Starting in the Fall Quarter, research committee members are assigned to project teams focused on improving public health outcomes for our community and the greater Los Angeles population. Each team, though varied in topic and methodology, will engage in a comprehensive research process. This may include conducting literature reviews, collecting original data or merging secondary datasets, performing statistical analyses (e.g., using R or GIS), and composing a final report in the form of a research paper, policy brief, or academic poster.

Successful research projects may offer opportunities for team members to present their findings at conferences (e.g., Undergraduate Research Week) and submit articles for publication (e.g., American Journal of Undergraduate Research, UCLA Undergraduate Research Journals). Finished work can also inspire educational or advocacy campaigns in collaboration with other BPH committees, further promoting research findings within our community.

For research inquiries or potential collaborations, please contact us at bruinspublichealth@gmail.com.

CURRENT PROJECTS

Dormitory Heat Levels on Student Wellbeing and Academic Performance

Background Information: While acute heat exposure is widely acknowledged to elevate stress and impair academic performance, the effects of chronic heat exposure on student learning and achievement remain far less understood. With annual temperatures continuing to climb record-breaking highs in Los Angeles, UCLA needs to consider how chronic heat exposure will impact students. UCLA Housing hosts 14,000 undergraduate students, and nearly 100% of incoming freshmen live on campus housing, in various types of dormitories.

We aim to understand how persistent heat exposure impacts student wellbeing and academic success. This study will survey undergraduates living in campus housing throughout the fall quarter, historically the hottest time of the academic year, to assess differences in perceived heat exposure, sleep, stress, productivity, and academic outcomes (e.g., exam scores and final grades). Using regression modeling to compare students living in air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned dorms, we will examine whether access to air-conditioning influences grades and academic stress, with the goal of generating insights that can guide more equitable housing policies. Ultimately, we hope to share our findings with UCLA Housing and Residential Life to help them develop long-term solutions that promote better, more supportive living environments for all students.

This project is a strong fit for those interested in hands-on experience with environmental health research and heat-related health. Prior experience with, or strong motivation to learn, Qualtrics and survey management tools, statistical analysis, and R is also helpful.

Immigrant Voices in South LA’s Healthcare System

Background Information: Healthcare access remains a crucial challenge in South Los Angeles, especially for immigrant and Spanish-speaking families. Systemic barriers, language difficulties, and cultural disconnect often contribute to unmet healthcare needs. This study intends to amplify the voices of the community with a qualitative design that focuses on semi-structured interviews. By connecting with immigrant and first-generation family members, community leaders, and community health workers, the project aims to explore how these three key groups engage with and navigate the healthcare system. Partnerships with local clinics, organizations, and schools will help build trust and provide a safe, confidential environment for the participants. We will record, transcribe, and translate all interviews, and then analyze them to understand healthcare barriers, coping mechanisms, self-medication, and healthcare opinions, with a focus on community resilience.

This project is a strong fit for those fluent in Spanish (but not a requirement) and interested in community-based projects and health and immigrant justice. Cultural humility, strong communication, and empathy are essential for this project as we aim to directly engage with a community that has been historically marginalized. This study is perfect for those with lived experiences or a deep connection with immigrant communities.

Hookah Use and Middle Eastern and North African College-Aged Youth

Background Information: This project examines water-pipe (hookah) use among college-aged students, with particular emphasis on the social, cultural, and health-related factors that influence its popularity. Water-pipe smoking is often perceived as less harmful than cigarettes due to misconceptions about water filtration, flavorings, and cultural traditions. Through a qualitative study, this project aims to examine these potential misconceptions and health risk assumptions among Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) students to improve public health awareness and interventions. Using insights from existing public health literature and peer-reviewed studies, we will explore how hookah use is shaped by peer networks, campus culture, and cultural identity.

This study will interview UCLA students to understand their experiences and perceptions of hookah use, analyze demographic and behavioral data, and compare responses across different MENA cultural and social groups. Based on existing literature on perceived harm associated with hookah use, the results will be used to contextualize our findings within broader health trends. The aim of this research is to advocate for ways hookah-use can be managed among MENA college-aged youth and to inform better tailored cultural messaging, health training, and community outreach.

This project is suitable for individuals interested in the intersection of culture and public health and passionate about substance use prevention among MENA youth. Given the qualitative nature of this study, experience with literature reviews and familiarity conducting literature reviews is preferred.

Effect of Political Leanings on Immigrant MediCal Enrollment Rate

Background Information: As political polarization increases, immigrant access to healthcare and public insurance systems is increasingly under scrutiny. Access to adequate healthcare is crucial for the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. Currently, more than 78 million people, about 21% of Americans, are covered under Medicaid, a joint federal and state program that provides comprehensive health insurance to eligible low-income individuals. However barriers such as fear and confusion about eligibility policies, difficulty navigating the enrollment process, and language access challenges, immigrant enrollment in Medicaid is significantly lower than their non-immigrant counterparts. The Kaiser Family Foundation reports that 23% of U.S.-born citizens are currently under Medicaid, while only 19% of immigrants are covered.

While many studies have previously explored the reason behind the lower utilization of the public health care system among immigrants, there is a lack of research on how a community-level variance, specifically the political climate of the community, explains the lower enrollment rate among immigrant families. Immigrants in more politically conservative districts may experience a ‘chilling effect’, where the anti-immigrant climate acts as a threatening and discouraging factor towards immigrants' rightful access to MediCal, California’s state Medicaid program. Using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and causal inference methods, this research aims to explore the relationship between political polarization and its effect on the immigrant Medicaid enrollment rate through a quantitative lens.

Comparing COVID-19 Policy Responses on Cumulative Mortality Trends

Background Information: During the COVID-19 pandemic, federal, state and local governments in the United States grappled with identifying effective strategies to contain transmission and mitigate the effects of the virus. Retrospective analyses observed a variety of community and population health outcomes varied depending not only on the policies enacted but also on how local populations responded to those policies, shaped by social and structural differences in demographic, economic, and geographic characteristics. Additionally, differences in health behaviors, including vaccine uptake and mask wearing, influenced adherence and response to public health measures and complicated their intended outcomes. Understanding these disparities is crucial for evaluating community needs and preparing for future public health crises.

This project intends to analyze daily COVID-19 test and mortality data to model how different COVID-19 policies and community health characteristics produce different trends in COVID-19 outcomes. By implementing time-series analysis methods, this study aims to identify differences in lag time and the cumulative effect of COVID-19 policy interventions across different localities.

This project is a good fit for individuals interested in learning and applying statistical modeling techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of public health policies.

Vaccines For Children (VFC) Provider Density and MMR Vaccination Recovery

Background Information: Routine childhood vaccinations and high immunization rates play a vital role in preventing the resurgence and outbreak of previously widespread diseases like measles, mumps, varicella, and rubella. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program improves access for underinsured children by providing free vaccines to enrolled providers. By reducing cost barriers and expanding vaccine accessibility, the VFC program reduces disparities in immunization rates. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant declines in vaccine uptake across the country due to disruptions such as reduced in-person well-child visits, prioritization of COVID-19 vaccine administration, and increased vaccine hesitancy. Measles outbreaks have also reappeared in 2025, with the highest number of cases in three decades. Many of those affected have not been vaccinated. Observing the effects of crises like COVID-19 on vaccination coverage is important for evaluating the strength of our public health systems to ensure resilience in future emergencies.

To examine vaccine uptake recovery post-COVID-19, this study will compare VFC provider densities across counties in different states and examine how MMR vaccination rates shifted during the pandemic and recovered in the post-pandemic period. The methodology will use multivariable regression models to assess the relationship between VFC provider density and MMR vaccination rates, controlling for demographic and socioeconomic factors.

This project would be a good fit for individuals with a passion for finding reasons for disparities in healthcare access and improving vaccination coverage, along with an interest in learning and applying statistical programming/modeling skills to analyze large public health datasets. Participants should be adaptable and self-motivated to answer challenging questions and explore different methods of analysis, especially in a quantitative project that may shift its focus based on emerging trends in the data.

PAST PROJECTS

Geospatial Analysis of Chinese Substance Use Treatment

Abstract: Linguistic and geographic barriers significantly hinder access to substance use treatment. While such barriers have been studied among Spanish-speaking populations in Los Angeles County, research on Chinese Americans—the county’s largest Asian American subgroup—remains limited, despite their rapid population growth. Using U.S. Census data and SAMHSA facility information, we identified 14 high-need, underserved census tracts in the Monterey Park, Diamond Bar/Walnut, and Palos Verdes areas. These areas had high concentrations of Chinese-speaking residents and were located far from treatment centers offering Chinese language support. However, analysis of overdose mortality data from the LA County Department of Public Health revealed a significant negative correlation (β = -0.115 [-0.180, -0.050]) between Asian American population percentage and overdose mortality rates, with all 14 census tracts identified having low overdose mortality. This suggests limited immediate demand for expanded treatment services in these regions.

Research Associates: Luna Takahashi, Anne Wang, Miah Chao, Catherine Wang, & Nina Zhang

Mentor: Cindy Pang, PhD Candidate

Poster Presentation: Community Service Commission Service Impact Summit in Los Angeles, California (2025)

Oral Presentations: Bruins Public Health Fair and UCLA Undergraduate Research Week in Los Angeles, California (2025)

To view the full presentation, please click HERE.

Gun Violence Intervention Programs & Policy Analysis

Abstract: Gun violence, declared as a public health crisis, remains a significant issue in the United States of America, and globally. Previous studies explored various predictors of gun violence, but fail to examine the long-term impact of historic redlining on underrepresented communities in modern times. Redlining was a racially discriminatory housing practice implemented by the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation in the 1930s to systematically deny loans to People of Color. This study focuses on “red zones,” a term historically used to define areas deemed hazardous due to a high population of ethnic minorities. Our research examines, for the first time, the lasting legacy of historic redlining and its association with current rates of gun violence in Los Angeles County.

To assess this relationship, we overlaid historic redlining maps with non-suicide firearm-related incidents for 648 census tracts. To account for spatial dependence, we used Durbin and lag spatial regression models, which captured the influence of neighboring areas. To model count data, we used a Negative Binomial distribution.

Our analysis reveals that historically redlined areas experience higher rates of gun violence, suggesting the enduring impact of these discriminatory practices (β = 2.43, p < 0.01). These findings highlight the need for policy interventions targeting areas most affected by historic redlining. Future research will investigate how factors such as firearm access, mental health resources, and educational opportunities mediate the relationship between historic redlining and gun violence. The time to address historically racist policy in an attempt to promote change for the future is now.

Research Associates: Sophia Adkins, Evalyse Estradaflores, Jocelyn Hebish, Elizabeth Murray, & Yuvraj Walia

Poster Presentations: UCLA Interdisciplinary Conference in Gun Violence Reduction, Community Service Commission Service Impact Summit, and Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research Association Poster Day (2025)

Oral Presentation: Bruins Public Health Fair and UCLA Undergraduate Research Week in Los Angeles, California (2025)

To view the full presentation, please click HERE.

College Student Health Insurance Coverage & Healthcare Utilization (Quantitative)

Abstract: Despite increasing recognition of the importance of healthcare access for young adults, college students' utilization patterns—particularly in relation to insurance type—remain understudied. Self-efficacy in navigating health insurance systems plays a key role in overcoming these barriers. Many universities provide Student Health Insurance Plans (SHIPs) to supplement or replace external coverage, yet little is known about how plan type affects students' ability to seek and receive appropriate healthcare. This study explores how insurance coverage influences healthcare utilization, namely between SHIP and other plans. A total of 192 students completed a survey assessing the use of health services, insurance type, and confidence in understanding the healthcare system, using the Health Insurance Literacy Measure (HILM). Of this population, 92 (47.9%) were enrolled in SHIP and 100 (52.1%) relied solely on external insurance. While specific service use did not significantly vary by plan type, SHIP enrollees were significantly more likely to have foregone all healthcare in the past year (p<0.01). On average, students, regardless of plan type, reported significantly lower scores on all subscales of the HILM, and students with SHIP scored significantly lower than externally insured students in confidence selecting a health plan (p<0.01). These findings underscore the need for targeted health insurance education and campus support systems to enhance students' ability to navigate care effectively.

This project is part of a larger study with two components (see Health Insurance and Healthcare Acquisition Decision-Making project). The quantitative project will field a survey to assess differences in utilization and reported obstacles in receiving healthcare with respect to insurance coverage. The qualitative project will interview students to illustrate and analyze the decision-making process and experiences of students navigating the UC healthcare and health insurance system.

Research Associates: Natalie Teng, Asha Patel, Ryan Mirin, Emma He, & Doyeon Han

Faculty Mentor: Daniel Eisenberg, Professor of Health Policy and Management

Poster Presentations: Semel Healthy Campus Initiative, Psi Chi Psychology Research Conference, Medical Aid Initiative Symposium, and Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research Association Poster Day in Los Angeles, California (2025)

Oral Presentations: Bruins Public Health Fair and UCLA Undergraduate Research Week in Los Angeles, California (2025)

To view the full presentation, please click HERE.

Health Insurance and Healthcare Acquisition Decision-Making of College Students (Qualitative)

Abstract: College students often face significant barriers to acquiring and utilizing healthcare services. Recognizing a need for coverage, many universities like the University of California (UC) system, have implemented Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) for students to access care on campus. However, its impact on healthcare acquisition and utilization patterns remains understudied.

This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews to examine how insurance type – UCSHIP and/or external insurance– affects healthcare usage among undergraduate students. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling, followed by a screening process to ensure diversity across various demographics including race, insurance types, etc. Twelve semi-structured audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed using a deductive and inductive approach by three researchers.

Analyses of interviews indicate externally insured students often delay care until academic breaks to see providers at home, but may face elevated risks when care is needed during the term due to restricted on-campus healthcare access and higher out-of-pocket costs. Across insurance types, current healthcare utilization behaviors often mirror pre-college tendencies and are largely shaped by parental attitudes towards routine healthcare. While this study is ongoing, we anticipate these themes to persist in future interviews.

Our findings identify disparities in college students’ understanding of healthcare systems and highlight barriers that prevent college students from seeking routine and preventative care. While further research is needed to examine how specific demographics impact undergraduate health literacy and efficacy, our research is fundamental in addressing ways in which campus administration can better aid students in navigating their health insurance and care.

This project is part of a larger study with two components (see Cultural Health Capital and Literacy: Healthcare Acquisition and Health Insurance). The quantitative project will field a survey to assess differences in utilization and reported obstacles in receiving healthcare with respect to insurance coverage. The qualitative project will interview students to illustrate and analyze the decision-making process and experiences of students navigating the UC healthcare and health insurance system.

Research Associates: Hannah Butalid, Kayla Le, Danibel Kasbari, Niki Shiva, Melia Kenny, & Leah Wildmann

Faculty Mentors: Xi Zhu, Professor and Paul Torrens Chair of Health Policy and Management, Daniel Eisenberg, Professor of Health Policy and Management

Oral Presentations: Bruins Public Health Fair and UCLA Undergraduate Research Week in Los Angeles, California (2025)

To view the full presentation, please click HERE.

From Search to Cessation: Assessing Digital Substance Use Resources for UC Students

Abstract: Substance abuse is a prevalent issue among U.S. college students and websites play a crucial role guiding students to resources – such as helplines, support groups, and counseling – to facilitate prevention and treatment. Therefore, it is important to evaluate and identify opportunities for improvement for these websites to act as more effective tools. To do this, we performed a content analysis from January to April 2024 to analyze the design and content of 29 student-targeted substance use resource websites from the nine University of California undergraduate campuses. Each website was analyzed using a codebook which compiles 15 website features into five main categories: usability and accessibility, interactivity and engagement, design and aesthetics, timeliness and updates, and content. Of the 29 websites identified, 100% met the criteria for the mobile responsiveness category. However, 31-34% did not have all working links and only 34-38% included digitalized personal tools for cessation support. High inter-UC campus variance revealed that UC Davis offered consistently high-scoring websites, whereas campuses like UCLA and UC Merced met far fewer of the criteria on average. Consistent with concerns that colleges and universities neglect cessation resources, the online substance use resources offered by UC campuses do not reliably meet our definition of quality and content standards necessary for accessible use. This reveals potential obstacles for UC students who are seeking substance use cessation support for themselves or others.

Research conducted in collaboration with the Anti-Vaping Champions, a collaboration between the UCLA Health Division of Medicine-Pediatrics and Preventive Medicine and the California Tobacco Prevention Program.

Research Associates: Miah Chao, Alanna Lemp, Nick Nyein, & Catherine Wang

Mentors: Adam J. Landeros, MPH, MS & Hannah J. Kwak, MD

Poster Presentation: Southern California Conference for Undergraduate Research in San Bernardino, California (2024)

Oral Presentation: Bruins Public Health Fair in Los Angeles, California (2024)

To view the full presentation, please click HERE.

UCLA Policy vs. Accessibility of Nicotine Products

Description: An examination of UC Smoke-Free policy, the availability of nicotine products near UCLA, and potential strategies to create a healthier, smoke-free environment at UCLA.

Research Associates: Leah Wildmann, Ryan Mirin, Lizzy Murray, & Rosie Sunseri

Mentors: Adam J. Landeros, MPH, MS & Hannah J. Kwak, MD

Oral Presentation: Bruins Public Health Fair in Los Angeles, California (2024)

To view the full presentation, please click HERE.

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