GS: Where are you from?
LK: I am from Vredenburgh, Alabama.
GS: What degree will you receive and when?
LK: I will receive my PhD in Health Education & Health Promotion by June 2010.
GS: How long have you been at UAB?
LK: I began work at UAB during the summer of 2005. I started coursework for my program in the fall of 2005.
GS: What is your research?
LK: My research focus is on HIV/AIDS among African American females.
GS: What made you choose UAB for your graduate studies?
LK: The Health Education Health Promotion program at UAB is among the top in the nation. Costs and location were also important.
GS: Have you received any awards or honors?
LK: I received the Outstanding Human Studies Doctoral Student award from the School of Education (2009). I was also recognized at the UAB 34th Honors Convocation. Currently I serve on the executive board for the ethnic diversity coalition of the American College Health Association (ACHA).
GS: What has been your most rewarding experience at UAB?
LK: One of my most rewarding experiences at UAB has been my involvement in Eta Sigma Gamma (ESG) Health Education honorary. The honorary is based within the School of Education (SOE) and is comprised of student and professional members. Members of Beta Chi ESG have a unique yet exciting opportunity to serve the UAB and local community; the organization is active on a large urban campus that does not have a Health Educator on staff. As current and future health educators, ESG members are able to collaborate with individuals and groups to organize activities directly and indirectly impacting health/wellness. Past projects have included a campus blood drive, healthy-snack sales, monthly campaigns to promote awareness of a health topic/issue, regional and national research presentations, promotion of National HIV Testing Day and support of local AIDS outreach organizations, participation in campus and community health fairs, and development of a scholarship for Health Education students.
GS: Who was your greatest influence here at UAB and why?
LK: My advisor, Dr. Brian Geiger, has been my greatest influence at UAB. Dr. Geiger is an astute educator and researcher. He encourages excellence within academics and promotes service learning within the community. I have grown as a scholar and researcher while working under his guidance.
GS: What is your motivation in your academics/research?
LK: My motivation is driven by my research. African American females are disproportionately impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Prevention research initiatives are imperative to addressing the crisis.
GS: What are your plans after graduating and for the future?
LK: After graduating I would like to continue health-based research. My desire is to work with communities and agencies to address problems contributing to health disparities. In the future I plan to teach, among other goals.
What’s Lasonja’s advice to other graduate students?
I compare the PhD process to running a marathon. Three factors vital for completing each are:
Ø A purpose {without a purpose the process is meaningless}
Ø A personalized plan for completing the task {without a plan the task becomes difficult}
Ø An ability to stay focused {without focus the “road” to completion becomes much longer}