91�ֿ�

Over the summer, the Center for Public Policy and Health hosted two students participating in the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program. 

The SURE program pairs students with mentors on campus to conduct supervised research related to their field of study for an eight-week period. Emily Bishop, a junior psychology student, and Rachel Dorsey, a junior public health student, conducted research on nitrous oxide, commonly used for whippets, and nicotine pouches—substances rapidly growing in popularity and being sold in vape shops near campus.

Under the guidance of Center Director Deric Kenne, Ph.D., project coordinators Megan Anderson, MPH, and Diana Patel, Ph.D., Bishop and Dorsey started a qualitative study to investigate the motivations behind the use of nitrous oxide and nicotine pouches, as well as public perceptions surrounding these substances. They prepared background research, created a qualitative interview question protocol, and reviewed literature for keywords to search on social media. 

Bishop’s focus in psychology brought a unique perspective to this work. “As a psychology student, I'm interested in addiction management and the effects of different drugs. Psychology and public health are very closely related, so it's good to work within public health to learn about how harm reduction strategies are created and implemented,” Bishop said.

Although the 2024 SURE program has ended, the research will continue, with Bishop and Dorsey working in the Center this fall. The team intends to continue the project and believes their qualitative research may serve as a foundation for future quantitative research. “Hopefully, 91�ֿ� students will avoid nitrous oxide in vape shops after learning about the risks of neuropathy and myelopathy,” Dorsey said. Both undergraduate researchers plan to attend graduate school and said they will reference their experience with the Center in their applications.

Bishop and Dorsey hope their experience will inspire other students to apply for the SURE program with the Center. “Getting involved with research, no matter your major, is super important and will give you a good idea of some topics of interest within your field,” Bishop said. “It's a great way to get started in your area of interest before even graduating! It's also a great way to meet other students and faculty members,” she concluded.

For additional information on the program, please visit the SURE website.