Rebekah Nold, a senior public health major, will present her research into the logic model in survey planning at the Michigan Premier Public Health Conference in late October in Muskegon, Michigan.

Nold said the City of Auburn Hills and RCU have partnered to develop a survey, which will collect input from the youth about what changes they want to see in the city. Nold’s research directly engaged with minors ages 16-17 who reside in Auburn Hills to see what they want in their community, and how the youth want to influence the growth of the community.

Public health survey planning

Nold’s research, which she started for her senior capstone project, is about the utilization of a logic model within survey planning for a protected population.

“My part within this research project has been to develop a logic model, which will guide this research project,” she said. “I also studied how the logic model will affect the outcomes of the research and the potential impacts this study will have on society.”

Nold will be joining other researchers to make presentations, most of whom are professional individuals or graduate-level students. “I am so grateful that Michigan Premier Public Health has given me the opportunity to present alongside practicing professionals, and I am very eager to learn from this experience and advance my knowledge of this profession,” Nold said.

Faculty support appreciated

Dr. Bonnie McIntosh, department chair and assistant professor of health studies, served as faculty adviser for Nold’s research project. Nold said she first became interested in public health after meeting McIntosh, who is her academic adviser.

“I knew I wanted to continue studying human medicine, but I also knew I wanted to pursue medical research and human health. The public health degree at RCU offered me a chance to advance my science knowledge in courses like epidemiology and biostatistics, while having an overall focus on human health. Earning a public health degree is giving me the opportunity to study human health as a whole, and also study how to promote human wellness and make changes and impacts on societal health.”

The support Nold has received from RCU faculty has been exceptional, she said. “Dr. Bonnie McIntosh has been at my side during the developmental process of this project. She has guided and supported me with her great knowledge of the public health industry, as well as her knowledge as a skilled researcher.” She also thanked Dr. Katharyn Cochrane, professor of science, and Dr. Mike Muhitch, retired professor of chemistry, for their support and positive influence on her life.

A family legacy

After earning two associate degrees at Oakland Community College with a strong focus in biology and chemistry, Nold transferred to Rochester Christian University, which was not a stranger to her family.

Both Nold’s parents, Jonathan and Kimberly Nold graduated from the university in 1980 and 1981, when it was called Michigan Christian College. Also, her great-grandparents, Howard and Faye Dilgard, were founding board members of the university in the late 1950s.

“Being able to continue my family legacy, especially four generations later, has been a great joy for me,” Nold said.