The U.S. faces a deadly shortcoming in sexual-reproductive health education, research, and healthcare access. For example, our maternal mortality crisis is the highest of all high-income countries, with an alarming 80% of deaths determined preventable (CDC, 2024). Research supports that poor patient health education is a contributing factor to this crisis (Sangdang, 2025). This must change. How do I help?

Through my work in a reproductive neuroendocrinology research lab, I was uniquely equipped to serve as a science educator in sexual-reproductive health, creating solutions to target health education gaps in my community. I conducted a community needs assessment on my campus, finding students struggled to define terms such as “menstrual cycle” and identify cost-friendly healthcare resources. In response, I created an initiative, “Drew Access to Sexual Health,” aimed at distributing sexual health education and health supplies in my community. This work included collaborating with medical clinics to create educational campaigns, presenting research at international conferences, serving sexual assault survivors as a patient advocate, hosting annual campus education events, and securing grants to distribute menstrual health products. I am honored to join the Newman Civic Community to continue developing this work as an aspiring research physician in reproductive medicine.