Avery Prescott is a first-year MPH student at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, with a concentration in Maternal, Child, and Family Health.
We reached out to Prescott to learn more about his work, his life, and his academic journey through the following Q & A.
I was first introduced to injury and violence prevention work during my undergraduate studies in public health. My professor, Dr. Courtney Jones, specialized in injury epidemiology, and witnessing the significant impact her research had on the health of various populations inspired me to delve deeper into the field of injury prevention.What projects are you currently working on, and what makes them exciting to you?
Currently, I’m not working on any specific injury-related projects, but I have a strong background in this area from my coursework. One project I designed in college focused on pediatric scald burn injuries. The goal was to identify the mechanisms causing these injuries in children aged four and under who presented to U.S. Emergency Departments. I found that many of the injuries were linked to cooking-related events, such as young children reaching for hot noodles from a microwave. My interest in studying burns stemmed from a desire to understand prevention methods better, so I could help communicate strategies to parents and caregivers for reducing the risk of burn-related injuries in this vulnerable population. It was a rewarding experience that deepened my commitment to injury prevention.
What were you doing before you started your program at UNC?
Before starting my program at UNC, I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Rochester, where I earned a degree in Public Health.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work and school?
Outside of work and school, I enjoy playing soccer and try to play on campus whenever I have time during the week. Additionally, I play the guitar, piano, and cello in my free time.
What makes you unique?
What makes me unique is my diverse set of interests and experiences. I blend my passion for public health with my love for music and sports, showcasing a well-rounded personality.
UNC IPRC’s Injury and Violence Prevention Fellowship program provides an opportunity for UNC-Chapel Hill graduate and professional students from diverse academic, professional, and demographic backgrounds to gain hands-on experience in injury and violence prevention by working with faculty mentors, networking, and pursuing professional development opportunities.