Page 39 - EUREKA 2019_Neat

Working with

the Spatial

Determinants

of Health Lab

from an

undergrad’s

perspective

By Michele Leblanc, BHSc (Honours) in Health Sciences,
Concentration in Global Health, Carleton University

WHEN I WAS YOUNG, my sister and I spent our days exploring the forest
nestled in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. She taught me the best ways
to climb the enormous elm trees and how to carefully navigate the slippery
stones across the Peabody River without being swept away by the current.
My sister ingrained in me a craving for adventure and a drive of curiosity,
teaching me to never take anything at face value. I often wondered how I
could harness my excitement and curiosity about discovering the world in a
meaningful way, always trying to match my sister’s ability to push boundar-
ies and fearlessly take a leap. In the Spatial Determinants of Health (SDoH)
Lab at Carleton, I am not only given, but also encouraged to take advantage
of opportunities to adventure, to be curious, and to be unapologetically
unique.
It all began last spring, as I neared the end of a challenging first year of
university. I came home to an email in my inbox, offering the opportunity
to apply for a research internship at Carleton University. I began research-
ing professors in my department, sending out emails to those whose work
I found interesting. After receiving a few responses, including one professor
who discouraged me from even applying, I set up a meeting with Prof. Paul
Peters, a rural researcher in the Department of Health Sciences. As soon

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