Ally Hucek

What inspired you to study public health? 

My grandma inspired me to study public health. She passed away of Ovarian Cancer when I was in 6th grade due to a genetic mutation. Due to the screening process, my mom was able to find out she also had the same mutation and that she had breast cancer. It ultimately saved her life.

What has been the single most rewarding experience of your career/studies so far? 

I was recently awarded a Support to Promote Advancement of Research and Creativity (SPARC) Graduate Research Grant from The University of South Carolina. This grant is based on my dissertation topic.

What do you hope to accomplish in your career? 

My hope is to enhance the lives of older adults by focusing on increasing screenings and interventions to promote social connectedness to improve emotional and mental health outcomes.

Advice: 

Your research interests will change overtime and allow yourself that room to grow and evolve. It is okay to change your direction and focus!

If you are working, what is your job? 

Graduate Assistantship serving as the Co-Project Director for the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (CPCRN) Scholars Program funded by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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