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Jessi Lehman
Senior
Geography

I am interested in the ways that human health, the environment, and development intersect. One example of this that I studied is access to health insurance for small-scale (and mostly illegal) gold miners in Ghana.

How did you get involved in undergraduate research at Penn State?
I participated in the 2006 Center for Advanced Undergraduate Studies Alliance for Earth Sciences, Engineering, and Development in Africa (CAUSE/AESEDA) class EM SC 470W, in which we did research in Ghana over the winter break, which totally inspired me. I decided to pursue more opportunities to do research in Africa by approaching my professor, who then became my research supervisor, about going further.

Beyond the results or findings of your research, what have you learned from this experience?
I learned a lot about the process of doing research. I came to further realize the importance of truly working with people and doing research that is meaningful to them. I also learned a great deal about negotiating an entirely unfamiliar culture and environment.

What have you enjoyed most about your research experience?
The most enjoyable part has definitely been interacting with and getting to know all kinds of people - both the small-scale miners, health professionals, and insurance officials I worked with, and my research team, especially my Ghanaian colleagues and my adviser. It is also really exciting to feel that I've done something unique and worthwhile in my field.

What would you tell a friend who wants to get involved in research?
Find something that you truly love and that you will be excited to work on even when it seems to be taking over your life! Enjoy the process as much as the results. Also, make sure you find people that you work well with.