Laura Gorissen
Spanish and International Health, B.S.
Clemson University
May 2026
Health Sciences
Below are artifacts that showcase my past work in health science
01
Health 2400: Effectiveness of Preventative Diabetes Programs in the United States
This is a literature review about the effectiveness of preventative diabetes programs in the United States, which I wrote for my Determinants of Health Behaviors class. The paper uses theories such as the self-determination theory, social cognitive theory, and the social ecological model to explain the effectiveness, or lack thereof, of preventative diabetes programs. This literature review was crucial to my understanding of public health because it helped me see that health extends beyond the healthcare system and that many other factors influence health behaviors. I was able to research and analyze one of the most important health issues the United States faces today, which is essential knowledge for me as a future healthcare provider. With this knowledge, I will be better equipped to understand my patients’ health behaviors and how to best help them be able to manage disease prevention. This research is significant to me because it shows that interventions are needed at the environmental, policy, and community levels to advance health equity.
02
Spanish 4190: Social Determinants of Chronic Liver Disease in Latinx Communities
This is a literature review that I will be writing for my Health and the Hispanic Community Spanish class. The paper will focus on the social determinants that affect the Latinx communities in the United States regarding chronic liver disease, as Latino communities face a disproportionate burden from this disease. I hope to learn about the factors driving such differences in health outcomes for chronic liver disease. Since I have not written the paper yet, I am not sure which challenges I will face, but I expect to have some trouble finding recent data, as this is a common problem in literature reviews. The research I conduct for this paper will be important for my future as a healthcare provider because it will help me better understand the factors that may be driving specific health outcomes in Latino communities.