Advancing Health Equity Through Research, Nyla Flowers Studies Sexual and Reproductive Health Disparities

Nyla Flowers, a Ph.D. student in the School of Public Health’s A-PREVENT training program, says GSU’s faculty and emphasis on community-based research have provided the perfect setting for her research and development.

Name: Nyla Flowers

Hometown: Charleston, South Carolina

Undergraduate and master’s degrees and institutions: I have a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Spelman College and a Master of Public Health from the Emory University Rollins School of Public Health.

Expected date of graduation:  Spring 2026

Ph.D. concentration:  Health Promotion and Behavior

Dissertation advisor: Laura Salazar

Why did you choose the Georgia State School of Public Health?
I chose the Georgia State School of Public Health to deepen and expand my expertise in sexual and reproductive health, violence prevention and health disparities. I am committed to addressing the urgent health problems faced by underrepresented communities and sought an environment that would support my growth as a more well-rounded researcher. GSU’s faculty, emphasis on community-based research and its rapidly growing program have provided the perfect setting for my own research and development. Being accepted into the new A-PREVENT training program has further allowed me to customize my training and career trajectory under the guidance of my advisor and mentors.

Tell us about your research.
My research focuses on sexual and reproductive health, violence prevention and health disparities. Specifically, I aim to address inequities in health outcomes, such as sexually transmitted infections, sexual violence and unintended pregnancies among young Black women. I hope my work will increase access to appropriate resources, generate culturally relevant knowledge and inform interventions that promote community resilience. Ultimately, I strive to help improve the overall social and health status of this significantly impacted population by building more equitable systems that enhance quality of life for Black women.

What’s been your most memorable experience so far in the Ph.D. program
My most memorable experience has been joining the cohort of the A-PREVENT T32 Fellowship. In my first year as a Fellow, I received extensive and customized training that has enhanced my evaluation research and data visualization skills, as well as strengthened the methodological foundation for my dissertation work. Additionally, A-PREVENT has provided opportunities to expand my expertise into a new area, alcohol use, and present my research at the Research Society on Alcohol conference, a significant milestone in my academic development.

What’s your career aspiration?
Ultimately, my goal is to secure a scientific role at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where I can advance evidence-based programs and interventions that address sexual and reproductive health inequities, violence prevention and health disparities among young people. I aim to refine and implement prevention initiatives that are grounded in research and culturally responsive to the needs of underrepresented communities. After graduation, I plan to pursue an academic research position to further develop my expertise, bridging academic inquiry and public health practice to promote health equity and violence prevention at the national level.