Meet Charlotte Stow, a community-oriented MPH student passionate about women’s health research and addressing health inequities.
Where did you grow up? Where did you attend undergrad and what was your degree/area of study?
“I grew up in Hudson, Wisconsin. I got my BA in biology, society, and environment from the University of Minnesota.”
What was that moment in your life when you decided you wanted to study public health?
“I was a nursing assistant at a hospice care facility during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it showed me how a person’s identity influences their experiences with the healthcare system. For example, we frequently measured our patients’ oxygen levels. I learned that pulse oximeters don’t measure oxygen as accurately in people with darker skin tones compared to those with lighter skin tones because they measure with light. When I brought that up, some practitioners said, ‘That’s just how it is.’ That was a very formative experience that made me want to address health equity issues on a systemic level.”
What specific issue, problem, or area of research in public health do you care the most about and why?
“I’m most passionate about women’s health research. I went to the Women’s Health Research Conference a few weeks ago, which reinforced the need to address gaps in research. For example, one speaker mentioned that 1993 was the year the NIH required inclusion of women and minorities in clinical trials. We have a lot of ground to make up—especially in maternal health—which is why I love Maternal and Child Health (MCH) and being in the program.”
Are you currently involved in any public health research or professional work?
“I am a research assistant for the Center for Leadership, Education, and Maternal and Child Public Health. I serve as a student liaison research assistant, so I do a lot of communications, and I work on student spotlights for MCH students. I am also the president of the MCH student interest group. We do a lot of community-building events, like co-sponsoring the Women’s Health Research Conference or gathering for our ‘MCH Moves’ walks in the fall. I also work closely with the Bright Spots Qualitative Mini Lab, helping coordinate their webinar sessions.”
Why did you choose to come to the U of M School of Public Health?
“I was definitely influenced by doing my undergrad here and getting to know some of the faculty and research being done here. Specifically, I found that MCH program director Zobeida Bonilla was conducting some really cool research that interested me, such as her work on immigrant maternal health. Now, I get to work with Zobeida and my advisor, Sara Benning, as a research assistant. Through the center, I recently got a summer internship at the Utah Department of Health. I will be working as a Title V intern with the Utah Women and Newborns Quality Collaborative, where I will support projects like safe sleep initiatives and maternal mental health interventions. Having faculty and mentors who advocate for you is really helpful, and I feel very lucky.”
What do you like to do when you’re not in class?
“I’m a big music fan! I was a student DJ at Radio K during undergrad. I learned a lot about the local music scene and still go to shows a lot. My favorite local band is probably She’s Green. I also love ’70s music, and listen to a lot of Fleetwood Mac and Gordon Lightfoot. I named my cat Gordon after him.”
What do you like about living in Minnesota?
“I really enjoy the sense of community here, especially these past few months. You can feel it on campus, in your neighborhood, and across the state. Minnesotans are great people, and I’ve made so many good friends over the past few years. I also really admire the Minnesota Department of Health and all the important work they’re doing.”
