Public Health Doctoral Student Selected for VITAL Research, Teaching Intensive

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Oluwatoyin Olatunde

Oluwatoyin Olatunde, a Ph.D. candidate in College of Education and Health Professions public health program, was recently hosted by the University at Buffalo for the Visiting Future Faculty Program (VITAL).

The program brings together outstanding doctoral scholars for a week-long research and teaching intensive. Olatunde was one of 35 scholars from 28 different institutions across the U.S. to participate in VITAL. The program was appealing because of the robust opportunities to advance her research and teaching skills.

"I knew this program would provide valuable insights and the opportunity to present my proposed research while receiving direct feedback from experienced faculty and Ph.D. students at the University at Buffalo," Olatunde said.

The VITAL program gives doctoral candidates and future faculty members like Olatunde the resources necessary for a future academic career. Candidates from various departments and degree paths attended this year's VITAL program, allowing participants to receive a wide range of feedback.

Olatunde attributes her confidence in teaching and research presentations to resources from the College of Education and Health Professions. "The support and mentorship from faculty within the college, along with the weekly graduate student seminars in the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, have been instrumental in preparing me to represent our program effectively," she said.

Olatunde had the opportunity to present her research focused on substance abuse, mental health, and sexting. She said she received feedback that will enhance her research and teaching methods.

"The feedback I received will help refine my dissertation proposal and research techniques. For instance, the use of ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) to evaluate behavior and experiences in real-time within the subject's natural environments was particularly beneficial," Olatunde said.

As a VITAL scholar, Olatunde received research feedback, networking opportunities, exposure to new research options, and cultural enrichment from the University at Buffalo. Olatunde said she is eager and excited to incorporate the insights she learned during the program into future projects at the U of A.

A primary goal of VITAL is to contribute to the growth of faculty from traditionally underrepresented and marginalized populations in the United States.