Galápagos symposium showcases Carolina Nursing research

Faculty and students from the UNC School of Nursing recently attended the Simposio de Investigación y Conservación de Galápagos/VI Galápagos Research Symposium to share their groundbreaking research and engage with the local community and fellow researchers. The trip not only allowed the team to present findings from their studies on youth health in the Galápagos Islands but also opened doors for future collaborations and research opportunities.

The team presented results from two significant projects conducted in San Cristobal. The first project, led by Natalia Villegas Rodriguez, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, FAAN, focused on the intersection of youth pregnancy, intimate partner violence, and HIV among individuals aged 18-24. Dr. Mimi Chapman, from UNC School of Social Work, shared insights from the second study, which utilized photovoice to explore the perspectives of youth regarding their future on the islands. These presentations at the symposium sparked discussions on the challenges and aspirations of young people in the Galápagos.

One of the highlights of the trip was the chance for Lucero Rocha, a first-year PhD student, to engage in research within a unique environment. Having worked in maternal health education with Latinas, Lucero was eager to learn more about the research process in the Galápagos, as she plans to include this region in her dissertation work. This experience was described as “grounding, insightful, and lively,” giving Lucero a deeper understanding of the complexities of health in a diverse setting.

The symposium also offered an eye-opening view into the array of research currently underway in the islands. “We learned about initiatives to analyze the potable water and the risks for health, projects focusing on improving nutrition and breastfeeding, and the impact of tourism on the islands,” the team shared. The Galápagos provides an ideal setting to study the interplay between environmental factors and health, as well as the impact of human activity on the ecosystem.

This journey shared the importance of building collaborative efforts between UNC researchers and the faculty at Universidad San Francisco de Quito. Strengthening these partnerships is crucial for advancing the mission of the Galápagos Science Center and addressing the unique health needs of the Galápagos population.

Looking ahead, the team is already planning their next steps. They are designing a new study that will delve deeper into youth health, exploring areas such as mental health, substance use, and more about HIV and STIs. Continuing their work on maternal health and the nursing workforce in the Galápagos is also a priority.

The experience in the Galápagos was summed up by Dr. Villegas Rodriguez as “inspirational, holistic, enriching.” It was an incredible opportunity not only to share research but also to learn from the vibrant community of scientists working to preserve the unique environment and improve health outcomes in the islands.