Two summers ago, Olivia Belt ’15  interned at Boston University’s School of Public Health as part of the Hiatt Summer Fellowship. She worked with Professor Michael Siegel to research the correlation between alcohol-brand sponsorship and alcohol-brand prevalence among adolescents. This research culminated with the writing of a manuscript and was recently published in the peer-reviewed international journal, Addiction. Belt is listed as a co-author. The senior said she’s extremely honored to be featured in the publication and that the experience has helped her grow as a person.

“Beyond my excitement of becoming a published author at young age, I am humbled to know that my contributions to the research might have a positive effect on public policy regarding alcohol marketing and sponsorship,” she said. “This internship helped me develop the ability to think deeply and critically about the myriad factors that influence people, whether it be socially and/or as a result of a company’s marketing strategy.”

In April 2015, Belt’s second manuscript was released for publication in the journal, Epilepsy Research. She completed the research this past summer, as part of the Hiatt Summer Fellowship program, at a center for Epilepsy and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex at the Mass. General Hospital. Belt’s research focused on evaluating efficacy of the anti epileptic drug Vimpat in people with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.

The Hiatt Summer Fellowship provides Beaver students with the financial support to explore and participate in meaningful summer leadership and civic engagement work. Programs can be self-designed internships or participation in established programs. Students can participate in the program year-round. Applications for the summer will be released in April 2015.

Email hiatt@bcdschool.org for more information.