The central theme of this research project was to explore how the current generation of 18-24 year olds “define health” in the context of their life in various communities in Portland. We wanted to better understand firsthand how this generation not only identifies and defines their own health but their specific needs and barriers as well. This particular generation has unique and unexplored physical, mental, social, and spiritual health challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic occurring during critical, formative years of their development. You can check out a slideshow that summarizes the results of our research and also watch a short video of respondents talking about their own experiences.
Dr. Andrew Lafrenz is an Associate Professor and Director of the Integrative Health and Wellness Program in the School of Nursing & Health Innovations at the University of Portland. As a behavioral epidemiologist, his research focuses on disease prevention through understanding and improving health behavior at multiple psycho-social and environmental levels of influence. He currently partners with multiple community-based and governmental organizations where undergraduate students gain valuable experience through innovative and impactful public health research.
Year: Senior
Major/minor: English Major, Pre-Med Track, Neuroscience Minor
Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO
Why PRF: I am passionate about the Portland community, and very interested in the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic overall has had on people, specifically youth. I'm excited about the opportunity to work closely as a team with other students and faculty to research this topic as it related to health and wellness.
Year: Junior
Major/minor: Biology major / Psychology minor
Hometown: Honolulu, HI
Why PRF: Being a part of a project that takes care to “define health” and identify its needs among the community in Portland is so important to me, and I would love to contribute in any way possible. Healthcare equity is an extremely relevant issue, and it would be the biggest honor to help these deserving individuals be heard. Being born and raised in Hawaii, the importance of community cannot be overstated, as our culture emphasizes the concept of “ohana.” This term, which translates to family in Hawaiian, represents the tight-knit relationships formed, which grounds the people in values of trust, gratitude, and a shared accountability to protect the well-being of the entire community.
Year: Senior
Major/Minor: Psychology and Biology
Hometown: Tigard, OR
Why PRF: I am very interested in the connection between the community and health, giving a platform for everyone to speak and express their feelings and concerns over what health means to them. I strongly believe that everyone has the right to be heard and this project uses art as a method to connect health, the community, and social justice to make a difference.
Year: Senior
Major: Nursing, Minors: Entrepreneurship, Innovation
Hometown: Bay Area, California
Why PRF: I am passionate about the intersection of art, social justice, and nursing. I strongly believe art is a platform to share stories and engage with one another. I hope to meaningfully connect and explore the unique health needs of the wider Portland community.
University of Portland
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.,
Portland, Oregon 97203-5798
503.943.8000
