Empower Autumn's Research in Guatemala

Hi, everyone!

I'm Autumn. As a Data Science and Global Health student at ASU, I'm deeply committed to using my skills and knowledge to address health challenges around the world. My passion for global health drives me to take every opportunity to learn and grow.

I'm thrilled to share that I’ve been accepted into the ASU Medical Anthropology Field School in Guatemala! Acceptance to this program is a dream come true. Conducting research with renowned medical anthropologist (and my wonderful mentor) Dr. Jonathan Maupin will have an invaluable impact on my future work in epidemiology. I would be incredibly grateful for your support in helping me get there.

At 16, I worked at an ophthalmology office, helping treat monolingual Spanish-speaking patients. That experience opened my eyes to how language, income, and access to care shape people’s health. Now an undergraduate at ASU, I’ve turned my curiosity into action. Since 2023, I’ve served as a research apprentice in ASU’s global health department and earned straight A’s in my coursework. I love sharing what I learn—even inspiring a friend to read The Scalpel and the Silver Bear, a book from my Traditional Medicine and Healing class.

The next step in my journey is learning directly from the communities I hope to serve. Through this program, I’ll immerse myself in Guatemala’s diverse cultures and explore medical pluralism—the coexistence of traditional and biomedical healthcare—by learning directly from those who live it. Ethical, community-driven research is my priority, which is why I’m especially excited to work under Dr. Maupin, who has a longstanding relationship with the communities we’ll visit.

I’m eager to bring what I learn in Guatemala back to ASU and beyond, but I can’t do it alone. The total cost of the program is approximately $8,000, and I’m hoping to raise $4,000 to make this opportunity possible. Any contribution, no matter the size, would mean the world to me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for supporting my passion for global health. Your generosity will help me gain the hands-on experience I need to make a meaningful impact in epidemiology.

With gratitude,

Autumn