“The COVES Policy Fellowship has shown me the importance of educational policy in shaping curricula, teaching methodologies, and student outcomes.”

Summer Responsibilities: Jasmine collaborated with the Virginia Department of Education’s Science Instruction Team to review Standards of Learning (SOLs) and associated resources that support K-12 science education in Virginia. Among other activities, she reviewed the SOLs for Anatomy and Physiology and surveyed Virginia scientists on their career pathways.

Background: Jasmine’s research interests include the effects of childhood trauma and stress on health outcomes. More specifically, she is interested in the immunological and genetic effects of traumatic stress in youth who have been exposed to violence either directly or indirectly. She hopes to use her research to further the understanding of the impact of traumatic events on youth development overall and inform prevention/intervention efforts.