Greta Becker
Originally from Dubuque, Iowa, Greta is currently a fourth-year medical student at the University of Iowa. She recently completed a one-year research fellowship in Kampala, Uganda, at Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation and Makerere University-Johns Hopkins Research Collaboration, focusing on child and adolescent tuberculosis. Greta hopes to pursue a career as a physician-scientist in epidemiology and pulmonary medicine. Outside of medical school and research, she enjoys running and spending time with her four nieces.
Determining the associations between lung function and pulmonary tuberculosis in a prospective cohort of Ugandan children
Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala
Uganda
What does the Kean Fellowship mean to you?
The Kean Travel Fellowship is a unique opportunity for an immersive experience within the field. It offers both financial support and valuable professional mentorship to aspiring physician scientists like myself, who envision a career in tropical medicine.
What do you anticipate learning?
During this fellowship, I will be continuing a project initiated during a dedicated research year in Kampala, Uganda, looking at pulmonary sequelae of pediatric TB. A goal of mine during medical school was to guide a clinical research project from inception to completion, including formulating research questions, drafting protocols, securing approvals, implementation, fostering community involvement and sharing results. Although a significant portion of my research year was securing necessary approvals and implementation, I am excited for the opportunity to return and play a more hands-on role in participant enrollment and community engagement.
What interests you about tropical medicine and what problems are you interested in solving?
Addressing health disparities and promoting equitable healthcare is a central concern of tropical medicine. Pediatric TB is often neglected due to atypical symptoms, diagnostic challenges, lower transmission, stigma and limited research. Prioritizing pediatric TB is important to me due to its high mortality and potential long-term health consequences. Ensuring comprehensive care for the youngest members of our global community is essential for achieving health equity and a brighter future.