Student Projects
The Hart Leadership Program has a long history of exemplary student work, and we are proud to showcase here a selection of student research projects, internships, and honors theses dating back to 2011. Below, you can explore nearly 400 student projects, filtering by project type, Hart program affiliated with the project, thematic topics, project locations, and project years. The database does not provide the full text of students' projects, but it does provide abstracts of student work wherever available, as well as more information including students' class year and, when applicable, the name of the community partner organization a student worked with to conduct their internship or research. We will continue to expand the database as our students continue conducting phenomenal projects. In the meantime, use the search function below to explore our incredible students' work, and get inspired!
How to Die Well in America: Physician-Patient End of Life Conversations
Increasing the rate and quality of physician led end-of-life conversations (EOLCs) in Duke Internal Medicine would improve our patients’ quality of life and and be financially prudent. Unfortunately, internists at Duke Hospital often do not have adequate EOLCs with patients, driving up end-of-life care costs and depriving patients of opportunities …
The Syrian Refugee Crisis in Jordan: The Tipping Point
[Abstract not currently available.]
Building a Trauma-Informed Foster Care System
Problem Statement The opioid crisis is causing an increase in foster care placements in Maine. In 2016, there were more than 1,800 children in foster care, a 45% increase since 2011. Due to a state law that requires infants to be tested for drugs at birth if their mother is …
Building Back Better Adaptive Analysis of Mexico City’s Housing Cities
The quality of life of peripheral citizens of Mexico City has stagnated at a low level since the early 20th century with marginal improvements. The high poverty rates among many of Mexico City’s peripheral vecindades, or slums, result in poorly built, temporary housing constructed with cheap materials due to lack …
Recognizing Refugees: Protecting the Human Rights of North Korean Refugees in China
Problem Statement China’s failure to recognize North Koreans within its borders as refugees, and provide the adequate protections, is leading to further human rights abuses like human trafficking into forced marriages. Estimates on the number of North Koreans in China range anywhere from 10,000 to 300,000 people and a significant …
Strengthening Chinese-American Health Coalitions: Mobilizing Chinese-Americans
Policy Problem Chinese-Americans, like most minorities, experience difficulties in access to healthcare, and thus increased rates of disease. These barriers to access can be summarized under three categories: Lack of English competency, lack of health insurance, and deficiencies in cultural competency in healthcare providers. In all, Asian-Americans, not just Chinese-Americans, …