Global health doctoral graduate works to address health inequities for women

After completing her undergraduate degree in community health education at Baylor University in 2007, Meagan Schlinkert traveled to the Republic of Vanuatu, a small island country near Australia, with Youth on a Mission. While there, she met a woman whose infant passed away from complications with diarrhea because she did not have access to medical care. The experience had a profound effect on Schlinkert, who decided to return home to Texas to pursue a master’s degree in public health from Baylor upon her return.

“Her story really impacted me and reminded me of the importance of health education, but also the significance of clean water, access to services and the inequities that people around the world face every day,” said Schlinkert.

After completing her master’s degree in 2013, Schlinkert worked as a public health intern at Hillside Health Care International in Belize before assuming a position with the International Rescue Committee based in Phoenix, Arizona.

Although Schlinkert was putting her theoretical knowledge into practice, she felt as though something was missing.

“I always wanted to know more about the ‘why’ behind the science. I wanted to know more about how and why people behave in certain ways, whether they adopt health practices or not, and the historical influences on their behaviors and the inequities they face,” said Schlinkert.

So, in 2019, Schlinkert began her doctoral studies in global health at ASU’s School of Human Evolution and Social Change. However, as the world came to a screeching halt with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Schlinkert’s research pivoted to a more local scope of field.

“At ASU, I had originally planned to study water, sanitation and hygiene systems in Guatemala, but the pandemic started, and I had a newborn baby, so I transitioned to studying from home and focusing on how the pandemic affected people in the U.S., especially those who maybe already had experienced increased health inequities,” said Schlinkert.

In April, Schlinkert completed her thesis, “Examining the Influence of Vulnerability Factors on Arizonans During COVID-19: Health Outcomes, Behaviors and Experiences Among the General Arizona Population and a Subset of Ethnolinguistically Diverse Postpartum Women.”  The mixed methods dissertation integrated findings from two research projects in Arizona during COVID-19. The first was a large statewide survey and the second was a smaller, hospital-based survey, both of postpartum women of varying ethnolinguistic and immigrant backgrounds.

“The pandemic affected pregnancy and maternal experiences of ethnolinguistically diverse women, causing healthcare disruptions, financial hardships and social isolation. The research underscores the importance of community-driven, partner-based and inclusive strategies to support diverse populations during crises,” said Schlinkert.

ASU News talked with Schlinkert about her experiences as a global health doctoral student and about what the future holds for her.

Question: In addition to your studies, you’re also the founder and owner of a consulting firm called SCHLink, LLC. How has your work influenced your research?

Answer: My husband and I started the company in 2018 because we wanted to work with global non-profit organizations that were making a difference in the areas that we care about: health and education. Consulting has opened my eyes to new interests and new companies, one of which is an international, faith-based non-profit where I currently work part-time and get to use my degrees and my passion for global health.

Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?

A: The importance of support and determination. My dissertation journey was a whirlwind. I changed topics a few times and hit several big roadblocks due to world events and personal circumstances, but what I think was most helpful was the supportive committee that helped me get to the finish line. I am very grateful to my instructors including Roseanne Schuster, an assistant research scientist with the School of Human Evolution and Social Change; Alexis Koskan, an associate professor with the College of Health Solutions; and Melissa Kovacs, formerly the associate director for research and associate director for research at the Morrison Institute for Public Policy, for teaching me that I could keep going and for helping me apply what I’ve learned in many practical situations.

Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?

A: It is hard to say a single professor, but my committee has really been an inspiration to me. They are the type of people that you meet in life, where you are never going to be able to pay them back, so all you can do is pay it forward. I think mentorship is very important, and it is hard to be all things at once, like motivated, constructive, kind, supportive and quick to respond, but I think their style of leadership, by lifting people up, is an approach that I will emulate in my career.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?

A: When you’re down, you’re not out. A PhD can feel like a slog, but if you believe in yourself, have a supportive group around you, and focus on the right things with the right energy, you can make a big impact.

Q: What is your proudest moment as an ASU student?

A: Defending my dissertation and being an example for my children.

Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?

A: Although I was technically an on-campus student, due to having little kids at home, the pandemic, and working outside of ASU, I didn’t spend as much time on campus, but I love many of the outdoor spaces for studying. I have become an avid consumer of local coffee shops north of Tempe campus. Thank you, Blue Buddha and Echo Coffee, for supporting my coffee fix so that I could finish my degree!

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: First, I want to spend more time with my kids, organize the things I’ve neglected in my house  and go on a big family vacation. I plan to continue working at the company where I work part-time, potentially increasing my hours, looking at teaching opportunities and continuing to work on consulting projects using the skills I’ve gained.

Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?

A: I would focus on global, sustainable, locally oriented clean water and health education initiatives for communities that have historically faced inequities. I believe that health and water are cornerstones that enable individuals to grow, thrive and contribute to their communities. It is hard to do anything else when you do not have optimal health.