Ph.D. student awarded honorable mention by Ford Foundation Fellowships
Nixon Arauz received the accolade for the dissertation competition.
Nixon Arauz, a doctoral candidate in the Social and Behavioral Sciences program with VCU’s Department of Health Behavior and Policy, has been accorded honorable mention status in the 2023 Ford Foundation Fellowship Programs competition, administered by the Fellowships National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
The Ford Foundation Fellowships are designed to increase the diversity of the nation’s college and university faculties, maximize the educational benefits of diversity, and to increase the number of professors who can and will use diversity as a resource for enriching the education of all students.
Nixon’s research centers on comprehending how racialization affects the vaccine-seeking behaviors and experiences of individuals who are socially assigned as Black Hispanic/Latine (H/L) men, particularly concerning the HPV vaccine. “The H/L population is not a monolith,” says Nixon. “This underscores the importance of understanding the vaccine-seeking behaviors within this group. I believe preventable cancers should not claim anyone’s life. We know that the HPV vaccines are close to 100% effective in preventing HPVs. Furthermore, research indicates the effectiveness in individuals who may not have encountered any of the strains responsible for HPV-related cancers.”
Submitting this application on top of an already grueling Ph.D. process, Nixon says he finds motivation in the work he currently does to address persistent disparities that exacerbate health iniquities in this historically marginalized population. “This population is important, and understanding their vaccine-seeking behavior is crucial to raise awareness and enhance their access to the necessary resources to help them lead healthy lives.”
Dr. Dina Garcia, Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Behavior and Policy, serves as Nixon’s advisor. “Nixon’s application to the Ford Foundation is reflective of his unwavering commitment to mentor historically underrepresented students in public health. Now more than ever we need courageous scholars like Nixon that are actively and meaningfully transforming the professoriate through their research, teaching, and mentorship.”
Nixon credits reflection as one component integral to his perseverence. “Reflection offers me an opportunity to engage with my thought processes and recognize my positionality. I constantly remind myself of the reasons why I decided to pursue training in this area. H/L men, in particular, [those] socially assigned as Black H/L men, remain underrepresented in public health research. I aim to make my contribution to the ongoing collective efforts in this research field. Delving into my identity and history adds depth to my current and future work. Grasping all these aspects of who I am is important to me to remain focused. Through the guidance and support I receive from my advisor and team of mentors, I’ve come to understand the value of reflecting on my experiences to maintain my dedication to my purpose [and to] remain true to myself and my journey.”
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