Carson Peters graduated from Grinnell College with a Bachelor of Arts in the Biology of Global Health. She is currently a second-year student in a Master’s of Public Health Program with a focus on Epidemiology at the University of Iowa. She is passionate about global public health and advocacy. She studied abroad in Brazil, India, and South Africa, in an honor’s global health program, where she focused on infectious diseases research including TB, HIV/AIDS, and Zika. Her experiences abroad inspired her to conduct her senior thesis on women’s cancer as a health disparity in Sub-Saharan Africa. Her research experiences include working at the National Institute of Health’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Harvard Global Health Institute and the Harvard School of Public Health. She has also worked on Capitol Hill for the Honorable Congressman John Lewis, related to her public policy and advocacy interests.
Why are you excited to intern with PhotovoiceWorldwide this summer?
I am excited to work at Photovoice Worldwide this summer because of the organization’s meaningful and innovative impact on global public health communities; which will allow me to further develop my passion of global health and advocacy.
Who is a researcher or photographer that you admire, or has influenced your work? Why?
I am inspired by Dr. Paul Farmer, a global health scholar, who engages in interdisciplinary global health approaches and research particularly in the global south. His scholarship were frameworks for my senior thesis about women’s cancers in sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on systematic barriers and structural violence. As a global health advocate, Dr. Farmer seeks to be a change agent while using community-based research approaches.
What are your plans for next year? (and beyond?)
I plan to complete my Masters of Public Health in Epidemiology at the University of Iowa next year. To further my education, I am interested in attending a Ph.D. program in Epidemiology or Global Health.
What is a fun fact about you?
A fun fact is that I hiked Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa that took 5 hours (just one way) despite being a novice hiker. I won a photo contest with the Global Engagement Institute at Grinnell College for a photo taken during this monumental hike.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I like to travel, try new foods (am a self-designated foodie), read and volunteer. I am currently working on a community service initiative to support and show gratitude to essential workers in my area.
We are delighted to have Carson as part of the PhotovoiceWorldwide team!