As part of this global integrated studies program, Dr. Catherine Haggerty (mother of Viola Haggerty ’23) delivered a presentation on her work and field research in India to Ellis students in Ms. Kassie Wadsworth’s classes of Biology, AP Biology and Human Anatomy.  Dr. Haggerty is Associate Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public Health. She is currently involved in a longitudinal study of pregnancy in the area near Hyderabad, India. Dr. Haggerty spoke with our students about the distinctive characteristics of the region that inform the study such as high rates of infant mortality, low birth rates, and increased exposures to other factors such as pesticides.  She and her team hope the ongoing study will help to provide data to understand and address causes of infertility, early pregnancy, low birth weight, and preterm births not only in this region of India, but also worldwide. Dr. Corbesero, Head of Global Initiatives and co-organizer of the Global Focus: India programming this year, observed, “The students, many of whom are very deeply interested in the field of global health, were captivated by the challenges and goals of Dr. Haggerty’s field work in southern India.”

At Ellis we believe that a diverse and inclusive community is essential to educating and nurturing the global leaders of the 21st century. Our global focus on India has provided our students with another opportunity to expand their international and cross cultural appreciation for communities here on campus and abroad. A different region of the world will be explored in the coming academic year.