The Graduate School has selected Esther Oshaji as its October GradBird Scholar recipient. GradBird Scholar is an initiative to recognize graduate students for their scholarly endeavors at Illinois State University.
Oshaji is an international student from Nigeria and is currently in her second year in the sociology master’s program. She received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Ilorn, Nigeria.
“Outside of my academic interests, I am passionate about traveling, which allows me to explore diverse cultures, people, food, and broaden my horizons,” said Oshaji, who added that she loves her family.
What is your favorite part of your program?
The aspect of the program that I find the most appealing is the low student-to-professor ratio, which has facilitated the provision of personalized assistance from the exceptional professors within my department. I have been fortunate to have been taught by Prof. Chris Wellin, Dr. Richard Sullivan, Dr. Thomas Burr, Dr. Marion Willets, and Dr. Wib Leonard, who also serve as mentors and guides throughout my academic journey. Their experitse, support, and dedication enhance my learning experience and inspire me to excel in my studies.
Do you work with a specific faculty/staff member to help with your research? What has your experience been like working with them?
I have the privilege of working closely with dedicated faculty members in the Sociology Department who have played a pivotal role in my research journey. Dr. Avogo, my chair, Dr. Willets, and Dr. Sullivan, who serve on my committee, have offered invaluable guidance, unwavering encouragement, and constructive criticism, greatly enhancing my research. Their ability to strike the perfect balance between providing guidance and offering constructive feedback has made my research an enriching and manageable experience.
Can you explain your research and the importance of it within your field?
My research is centered on breast cancer risk factors and the willingness to undergo screening among university women. This study is significant within the field of medical sociology and public health for several compelling reasons.
Firstly, breast cancer is a pressing public health concern, and its impact is not uniform across different demographic groups. In 2020, the National Cancer Institute posited that an estimated 3,886,830 women were living with female breast cancer in the United States, making it an area worthy of attention. Through an examination of the risk factors and screening behaviors shown by female university women, who constitute a heterogeneous demographic including various age groups, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, and socioeconomic statuses, it becomes possible to identify specific subgroups that may be more susceptible to elevated risk levels and less inclined to engage in screening practices. My research is instrumental in identifying potential disparities in breast cancer outcomes and is vital for developing targeted interventions to reduce disparities.
Secondly, early detection of breast cancer is critical for successful treatment and improved survival rates. University women, as a demographic, offer a unique opportunity for intervention. By studying the factors influencing their willingness to undergo screening, we can identify barriers to early detection and design strategies to encourage timely screenings. This has the potential to save lives by detecting cancer at earlier, more treatable stages.
Thirdly, my research is grounded in the Health Belief Model, a well-established framework in public health and sociology. This model explores how individuals perceive health threats, the benefits of preventive actions, and the barriers to taking those actions. Applying this model to breast cancer screening among university women allows us to understand the factors that shape their decisions and develop interventions based on these insights. It’s a practical and theoretically sound approach to addressing this health issue.
Lastly, my research findings can directly inform the development of targeted educational programs and interventions. By tailoring strategies to the unique needs and concerns of university students, faculty, and staff, we can improve breast cancer awareness and screening rates within this population, which can potentially reduce health disparities, promote early detection, and guide the development of effective interventions that benefit the specific population of university women and society.
Why do you enjoy researching this topic and what more do you hope to learn about it?
I am passionate about researching breast cancer risk factors and screening willingness among university women for several reasons.
Firstly, breast cancer is a prevalent and potentially life-threatening disease that affects millions of women worldwide. Being able to contribute to the body of knowledge that can help improve early detection rates and reduce disparities in breast cancer outcomes is deeply meaningful to me.
Secondly, I am particularly interested in the intersection of sociological factors and health behaviors. Understanding how social, cultural, and economic factors influence an individual’s willingness to undergo breast cancer screening can provide valuable insights into addressing health care disparities and promoting equitable access to health care services.
Furthermore, as a sociologist, I believe in the power of research to drive positive social change. By conducting this research, I hope to shed light on the unique challenges and barriers university women may face in accessing breast cancer screening and identify effective strategies to address these issues.
In terms of what more I hope to learn, I am eager to delve deeper into the specific risk factors that may be associated with breast cancer vulnerability among university women. I also aim to explore the nuances of their willingness to undergo screening, including the role of cultural beliefs, social support systems, and health care access.
Ultimately, I hope my research can contribute to developing targeted interventions and policies to improve breast cancer awareness and early detection among university women and, by extension, the broader population.
What do you hope further research about this topic will do to benefit the greater of society?
The importance of this research lies in its potential to improve early detection rates, particularly among a demographic whose risk of breast cancer increases as they age. Future study endeavors should extend beyond the confines of this particular population and embrace a wide range of various demographics within the United States. This more comprehensive approach has the potential to facilitate the creation of focused educational initiatives based on the Health Belief Model, which considers the distinct unique needs and concerns of individuals in society.
Additionally, it will contribute valuable insights that can guide health care policies and interventions, benefitting society by enhancing awareness, early detection, and equitable access to health care services for breast cancer.
Would you like to highlight anything else about your research or promote anything specific you are involved in?
Thank you for allowing me to highlight a crucial aspect of my research. Since it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I would like to emphasize the importance of breast self-examination. Early detection is indeed vital in the fight against breast cancer, and breast self-examinations can play a significant role in this.
I encourage everyone, regardless of gender, to take a few minutes for regular breast self-examination. It’s a simple yet effective way to detect changes or abnormalities in breast tissue, which can indicate potential health issues early. By raising awareness and promoting self-examinations, we can contribute to early detection, improved treatment outcomes, and decreased death rates associated with this disease.
