OCS Conference Funding Submission

Event Photo:

Day 1 Oral Presentation on topic, "The tiered health insurance plan."

Day 2 Oral Presentation on topic, "Gene therapy vs Enzyme replacement."

Day 3 Poster Presentation on topic, "GLP 1 Agonist Receptor."

Name: Monika Panwar

Degree Program: MPA IN HEALTH POLICY & MANAGEMENT

Specialization:

Conference Host Organization/Institution: American Public Health Association

Conference/Competition Name: APHA 2025 Annual Meeting & Expo

Conference Term: Fall Conference Start Date: 2025-11-02 Conference End Date: 2025-11-05

What were your takeaways from this conference/case competition?
Attending the APHA conference gave me a deeper understanding of current public health challenges, innovative research methods, and emerging trends such as digital health, health equity, and data-driven decision-making. I learned how researchers and practitioners are addressing disparities in diabetes, obesity, and chronic disease management, which directly connects to my work. Engaging with presenters and attendees broadened my perspective on interdisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based practice, and the importance of communicating research clearly. Overall, the conference strengthened my confidence as a researcher and helped me better understand the real-world impact of public health innovation.

How will your participation in this conference/case competition support your professional development?
APHA conference enhanced my professional development by giving me the opportunity to present my research, receive feedback from experts, and expand my academic and professional network. It strengthened my skills in scientific communication, public speaking, and defending methodology during Q&A sessions. Interacting with researchers, practitioners, and potential employers helped me understand career pathways in public health, health policy, and clinical research. Presenting at a national platform also adds strong credibility to my academic portfolio and supports my goal of pursuing research-focused roles in the U.S. healthcare system. Overall, it was an important step toward advancing my public health career.

What are some next steps or action items this conference/case competition inspired?
This conference motivated me to expand my current research, explore publication opportunities, and collaborate with faculty and peers on future projects. I plan to refine my systematic reviews, incorporate more advanced analytical methods, and develop follow-up studies that address equity in diabetes care and digital health access. I also intend to apply for additional conferences, fellowships, and research assistant positions to strengthen my expertise. This experience encouraged me to remain engaged with professional organizations, such as APHA, and continue contributing to discussions on health equity, chronic disease management, and innovative public health solutions.

What are some tips or best practices that you would like to share with other Wagner students who attend a conference/case competition?
I would like to suggest that participants should start preparing their presentation early and practice multiple times to feel confident during the session. Attend a variety of panels beyond your specific topic to broaden your understanding of the field. Network actively by introducing yourself to presenters, asking questions, and connecting on LinkedIn immediately after the session. Review the conference schedule ahead of time and plan your days strategically. Apply for travel funding early and keep receipts organized. Most importantly, be open to learning from diverse perspectives and use the experience to shape future academic or career goals.

Wagner Areas of Impact: Finance, Government, Health, Inequality, Race, and Poverty, Leadership, Social Innovation