Sierra Hawkins
Clinical Laboratory Scientist & MPH Candidate
This ePortfolio showcases the communication artifacts, leadership competencies, and applied public health skills I developed in HLTH 634: Public Health Leadership and Communication. My capstone project focuses on the Healthy People 2030 objective to increase HPV vaccination rates among adolescents ages 13–15 to 80%.
About Me
I am a Clinical Laboratory Scientist and MPH candidate with a passion for preventive health, community engagement, and evidence‑based communication. My professional background in laboratory science has strengthened my commitment to accuracy, quality, and ethical practice. In this portfolio, I apply these strengths to public health leadership by developing a communication initiative that promotes HPV vaccination among adolescents.
My long‑term goal is to serve in leadership roles that bridge clinical practice, public health, and health communication to improve outcomes for underserved communities.
Public Health Competency Alignment
Epidemiology
I analyzed HPV prevalence, vaccination trends, and disparities affecting adolescents ages 13–15. These data informed the rationale for my communication intervention and aligned the project with Healthy People 2030 targets.
Public Health Policy & Advocacy
My Advocacy in Action artifact demonstrates my ability to communicate with policymakers and advocate for expanded HPV vaccination access, school‑based services, and community education.
Social & Behavioral Sciences
Behavioral theory guided the design of my PSA, brochure, and messaging strategies to address parental hesitancy and promote vaccine confidence.
Leadership & Management
The marketing plan and program introduction reflect strategic planning, ethical leadership, and collaboration with community partners.
Communication
Across all artifacts, I translated complex scientific information into clear, culturally sensitive messages tailored to parents, adolescents, and policymakers.
Applied Practice
This portfolio integrates knowledge across the MPH curriculum and applies it to a real‑world public health challenge aligned with Healthy People 2030.
Communication Artifacts
Each artifact has been revised based on instructor feedback and prepared for professional use.
Artifact 1: Topic Selection & Qualifications Brief
Introduces the Healthy People 2030 HPV vaccination objective, describes the burden of HPV‑related disease, and explains why increasing vaccination among adolescents ages 13–15 is a priority. Outlines my qualifications and role in leading this communication initiative.
Artifact 2: Literature Review
Synthesizes current research on HPV vaccination uptake, barriers, and effective strategies to improve series initiation and completion. Informs the design of the communication campaign and ensures alignment with evidence‑based practice.
Artifact 3: Video Program Introduction
A recorded presentation introducing the HPV vaccination program, its goals, target population, and theoretical foundation. Explains the importance of early vaccination and frames the program as a cancer‑prevention effort.
Artifact 4: Communication Strategies & PSA
Details key messages, target audiences, and communication channels, accompanied by a Public Service Announcement encouraging parents to vaccinate their adolescents against HPV. Messages emphasize safety, effectiveness, and long‑term protection.
Artifact 5: News Release
A professionally formatted news release announcing the launch of the HPV vaccination awareness initiative, highlighting its alignment with Healthy People 2030 and its focus on adolescents in rural and semi‑rural communities.
Artifact 6: Brochure & Pretesting
A tri‑fold brochure for parents explaining HPV, the vaccine schedule, safety data, and access points. Includes pretesting feedback from parents of adolescents ages 11–17 and revisions to improve clarity and impact.
Artifact 7: Marketing Plan
A multi‑channel marketing strategy promoting HPV vaccination in rural and semi‑rural communities, including Sandy Creek and surrounding areas. Integrates social media, school partnerships, provider engagement, and community outreach.
Artifact 8: Advocacy in Action
An advocacy piece directed to policymakers, calling for policies and resources that support HPV vaccination access, education, and school‑based services to help reach the 80% coverage goal.
Leadership, Ethics, & Professionalism
Throughout this project, I demonstrated ethical leadership by designing culturally sensitive, evidence‑based communication materials that respect parental autonomy while promoting cancer prevention. I incorporated feedback from peers and hypothetical community partners, demonstrating collaboration, transparency, and a commitment to continuous improvement. This portfolio reflects my readiness to lead communication efforts that are scientifically grounded and community‑centered.
Growth Narrative
Over the course of HLTH 634, I progressed from identifying a public health problem to designing a comprehensive communication initiative that includes research, messaging, marketing, and advocacy. Early artifacts focused on understanding the evidence and defining the problem; later artifacts required strategic thinking, creativity, and leadership.
By applying the Universal Intellectual Standards—clarity, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breadth, logic, significance, and fairness—I strengthened both my technical skills and my confidence as a public health communicator.
Contact
Email: yourname@example.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yourprofile
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