Olivia Bouchard
passionate about health, social justice, education and the environment
(and art)
I am a lifelong learner. My interests in science, art and activism have challenged me to approach life with creativity, skill, focus, and hard work, while striving to make a positive impact on those around me.
My undergraduate degree in Studio Art concluded with the piece, “From Loss to Growth and Prosperity.” This work investigated how numerous species are being pushed to extinction by human activity. Through this multimedia informational art piece I hope to inspire activism by showing viewers what could be lost in a habitat altered by climate change. Unhealthy environments significantly impact communities, especially the most marginalized members.
After graduating from Kalamazoo College in 2015, I worked in a research lab at Loyola University Medical Center analyzing the efficacy of non-porcine (pig) sources of heparins. (Standard porcine heparins conflict with some cultural or religious practices.) This work increased my appreciation for cultural diversity and further reinforced my interest in public service, scientific research and accessible health care.
Currently, I am pursuing my Masters Degree in Public Health at the University of Michigan with a concentration in Health Behavior and Health Education. In addition, I am completing a Certificate in Global Health. My research interests include: health disparities, social determinants, adverse childhood experiences, access to care, the built environment, health equity and using social media/technology as tools to improve health. I plan to attend medical school after the completion of this degree and pursue a career in primary care and global health.
Through my blogging I hope to share ideas, inspire change and bring people together.
