Jared Suruky

I am a DPhil candidate for the NDWRH program at the University of Oxford. Before commencing my studies here, I graduated from Utah Valley University with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health. During the course of my studies in Utah, I had the wonderful opportunity to work as an intern at the Utah County Health Department where I provided assistance in data collection and training within the Health Promotion Department for the Opioid, Asthma, and Radon Detection Divisions. While at UVU I was able to participate in a group project where we measured the differences in knowledge on sexual health and STI education among religious-affiliated and non-religious-affiliated students. This group project inspired me to my current research interest here in Oxford. Outside of research, I love being able to have simple moments and talks with people, running, or being outside and watching cinema. 

My current research at the University of Oxford is centered around sexual and reproductive health amongst indigenous groups in Latin America. I am interested in conducting research among the Q’eqchi’ indigenous group in Guatemala where my goal would be to measure sexual and reproductive health and STI knowledge and education levels through qualitative methods and analysis. I also have interest in learning and developing strategy on how to better implement programs that are culturally competent and inclusive to traditional indigenous values within the region to help empower indigenous women and mitigate ongoing reproductive health issues they face. I will be working under Dr. Anita Makins as my primary supervisor and Dr. Ashley Younger as my secondary supervisor.