My Semester With Resound

This semester, I had the opportunity to intern with Resound Research for Reproductive Health, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing reproductive equity through community-led research. As someone passionate about public health and health equity, especially for marginalized groups, this experience deepened both my understanding and commitment to the field. 

My main project involved creating a community organization database to support outreach efforts for a study on contraception use in the South. I researched and compiled organizations across Louisiana and Mississippi that work in reproductive health, policy, community outreach, and other related areas. This work not only strengthened my research and communication skills but also introduced me to the network of people and places with goals of advancing their community. 

After completing the database, I worked on a literature review focused on the prevalence, reasons, and barriers to contraception use in the region. I explored how factors like race, policy, income, and provider bias influence access to birth control. Reading both academic studies and community-based reports gave me a deeper understanding of the systemic challenges people face, and how important it is to establish research in real experiences. 

I also had the chance to meet with multiple staff members to learn about their different roles, career paths, and the inner workings of reproductive health research. These conversations gave me a broader picture of what it means to work in public health, from community outreach to data analysis to advocacy. I appreciated how open and supportive the team was and how they created a space where questions were welcomed and ideas were valued.

I'm excited to share that I’ll be continuing my internship with Resound over the summer, where I’ll use the organization database I built to help reach out to potential survey participants. I’ll also have the opportunity to support data collection efforts, gaining hands-on experience with participant engagement and research. I’m looking forward to deepening my skills and continuing to support research that uplifts the needs and voices of people affected by reproductive health.