From the Classroom to Community: How a Student's Health Research May Transform Greenville
A Promising Step into the World of Public Health
For Roger Abim-Karmon ’26, a promising public health student at Furman University, the summer has been a transformative journey. Engaged in the heart of research, Roger has not only deepened his understanding of community health but aims to steer public policy to improve health outcomes for Greenville’s Black and Hispanic populations.
Abim-Karmon recently shared his ambitious research results with Hollingsworth Funds staff. Guided by Associate Professor Shaniece Criss, the research zeroed in on local policies affecting the marginalized communities of Greenville County.
Empowering Through Data
Supported by LiveWell Greenville and backed by a keen team, Abim-Karmon’s research delved into interviews with local stakeholders, identifying themes that could influence new fund allocation by the Hollingsworth Funds. These insights are poised to mold impactful programs, leveraging the voices of Greenville’s community members.
Engaged in focus groups along with other community partners, including REEM GVL and the Hispanic Alliance, the research driven by Criss and Abim-Karmon was a collaborative effort seeking sustainable solutions.
Bridging Academia and Practical Insight
For Abim-Karmon, this research isn’t just an academic exercise—it’s a stepping stone toward becoming a public health advocate. “I’m someone who loves to put his heart and soul into what he does,” he said, reflecting on his summer venture. This experience has opened his eyes to community-based research, a passion he’s eager to take back to Liberia.
The research findings, which include valuable suggestions like enhancing communication about existing community programs, underline the necessity of connecting people to resources. As Abim-Karmon observed, the gap between available services and public awareness remains a challenge poised for change.
Looking Forward
The journey with Dr. Criss and the support of the Hollingsworth Funds has not only broadened Roger’s horizons but paved a path filled with potential. With plans to publish his research and present at the Society of Public Health Education conference in October, Roger’s work could indeed become a blueprint for public health advocacy.
Through this blend of classroom insights and community action, Roger Abim-Karmon symbolizes the bridge between knowledge and real-world impact, a testimony to the transformative power of academic research on community health.
As stated in Furman University, public health research has the power to enact real transformation in local communities.
