- Working to reduce language barriers in health care
The idea for Vocalize Columbus came from a place of curiosity and personal experience. At 6 years old, Chief Executive Officer Lia Gomez-Perez emigrated from Uruguay to the United States, where she grappled with the challenges a language barrier imposes on everyday life. Tens of thousands of people with limited English-speaking skills live in Columbus alone. When they need medical care, that language barrier can interfere with quality of care and health outcomes.
- A local approach to a national challenge
Simone Drake's research is bringing together police officers and community members of different races, legal experts and computer engineers who can create models of human behavior scenarios to assist in training.
- Using soil to better serve people and the planet
Dr. Rattan Lal compares soil to a bank account in which the planet needs us to put more in than we withdraw, especially now as we deal with the challenges of climate change and feeding a growing world population. “Every living thing on the planet depends on it. We must make sure we manage soil properly and not take it for granted,” he says.
- The healing power of creative engagement
In the nearly two years since Nakia Bridges’ concussion, she has regularly experienced severe symptoms such as memory loss, distorted vision and debilitating issues with balance and concentration, to name a few. Not to mention the financial challenges, anxiety and depression that come with forced medical leave from employment. But with help from Ohio State's Lise Worthen-Chaudhari, she's making incredible strides in her recovery.
- Helping communities combat food insecurity
As a child, Mary Rodriguez can recall days when, every so often, dinner looked a little different than others: a meal of rice and salchichas (sausages or hot dogs) or rice and a fried egg. At the time she thought nothing of it. But in hindsight, Rodriguez realizes her family experienced periods of food insecurity.
- Student’s cancer battle informs BuckeyeThon work
Bailey Ramsey beat cancer while remaining heavily involved with BuckeyeThon, an effort which ultimately raised over $1 million for kids battling cancer and blood disorders. "I remember my first dance marathon, hearing all the families’ stories, I remember thinking: This is really special. I’ve just fallen in love with BuckeyeThon and this effort,” she said.
