College of Public Health Students Enjoy CDC Writing and Research Program
| The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health was well-represented during a student research training presented by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention.
Dylan Nguyen and Margaret Woods, both of whom graduated this month, along with Will Watson took part in the CDC’s Student Scientific Writing and Review Training Committee.
The training is a yearlong initiative designed to help participants:
- Gain exposure to cutting-edge research and evaluation techniques.
- Receive training on how to critique the strengths and weaknesses of scientific research, evaluation and practice.
- Become familiar with a journal’s review processes in selecting manuscripts for publication.
Nguyen, who earned a master’s degree from the college’s epidemiology program, enjoyed working with members of the CDC’s publication department. They taught him what a quality paper consists of as well as how to interact with peers and superiors.
“I wanted to expand my knowledge of research articles,” Nguyen said. “I learned to properly take the negatives and seek the advice of the researchers, ask them questions to get clarification on different things.”
Nguyen said the project had made him a better research writer, which made the training worthwhile.
“I’d encourage anybody to participate in the program,” Nguyen said. “My experience was useful. It’s an honor to be part of the program.”
Watson is a Ph.D., candidate in the college’s Health Systems and Services Research program. His desire to become a researcher is a big reason why he enjoyed the project.
“The training had immense benefits in the areas of research and peer review process, especially when it comes to preventing chronic diseases,” he said.
He also appreciated the efficiency and well-rounded nature of the program.
“We received a highly structured training, led by (CDC) managing editors,” Watson said. “We observed the strengths and flaws in a paper. Also, we heard from guest speakers who are accomplished in writing and conducting their own research. It was a privilege to learn from strong writers and researchers.”
Throughout the program, Watson recognized that the best way to improve one’s research and writing is to simply do it.
“I need to read good works of others,” he said. “I need to critique the works of others. It’s about practicing your writing. Practicing your research. Doing it and putting it down on paper. I now understand that I must sit down and just write.”