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Santa Clara UniversityUniversity Library

PHSC 190: Public Health Capstone (Parker)

This guide was created for PHSC 190: Public Health Capstone (Parker). Use this guide to help support your capstone project. If you have any questions about this guide or would like further assistance, contact Anna Yang at ayang3@scu.edu.

Public Health Capstone Research Guide

PHSC 190: Public Health Capstone

This illustration provided a 3D graphic representation of a spherical-shaped, measles virus particle, that was studded with glycoprotein tubercles. Those tubercular studs colorized maroon, are known as H-proteins (hemagglutinin), while those colorized gray, represented what are referred to as F-proteins (fusion). The F-protein is responsible for fusion of the virus and host cell membranes, viral penetration, and hemolysis. The H-protein is responsible for the binding of virions to cells. Both types of proteinaceous studs are embedded in the particle envelope’s lipid bilayer.

This illustration, provided by the CDC, is a 3D graphic representation of a spherical-shaped, measles virus particle, that was studded with glycoprotein tubercles. 

Public health addresses the multitude of factors influencing human health (socio-political, economic, structural, biological, environmental), and uses this knowledge to develop strategies for the prevention of disease and promotion of health through organized efforts.  This class provides a unique opportunity for students to conduct a community-engaged research project in conjunction with our immediate community, our very own Santa Clara University.

Capstone students will be tasked with the following projects to help SCU manage the pandemic and continue educating and supporting its students: 1) Investigate Covid-19 mitigation techniques at SCU and other universities (testing, contact tracing, quarantining) and make recommendations for improvement of these modalities; 2) Research best practices of health communication for college students and surrounding communities, including encouragement of safe behaviors and debunking misconceptions, in order to inform improved health messaging on campus; 3) Study the effects of Covid-19 on the college experience and give recommendations to SCU to better support students mentally and physically; 4) Research the Covid-19 vaccine pipeline and successful mass vaccination campaigns to lend guidance to SCU in how to open more fully in Fall 2021.