Thanks to a generous donation, five University of Washington students travelled to Kisumu, Kenya in September, where they engaged in independent research projects closely aligned with a current National Institutes of Health (NIH) R21 grant led by Drs. Ana Lucia Seminario and Whasun Chung with the UW DeRouen Center for Global Oral Health.
In Kisumu’s Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital and affiliated regional clinics, the students shadowed Dr. Immaculate Opondo (R21 grant study coordinator) and staff while they conducted R21 grant study activities and conducted their independent research projects on topics including HIV stigma, oral health education, and Kenyan pediatric diets. While visiting the clinics, the students engaged in conversations with clinic staff and collecting survey information, gaining valuable insights for their projects.
Beyond their academic pursuits, the students immersed themselves in Kenyan culture and cuisine, including visiting the Teme Impala Park, Giraffe Center, and taking a boat trip on Lake Victoria. Overall, the trip was successful in expanding student global oral health research engagement and expanding cultural competence.