Aaron Davis
Mary Gates Research Scholar
Autumn 2020
Major: Health Studies (Bothell)
Mentor: Nora Kenworthy, School of Nursing and Health Studies
Project
Racial Disparities in Health Funding: a mixed-methods analysis of medical crowdfunding campaigns.
What I learned
Utilization of crowdfunding websites as a means to pay for medical cost has increased over the years, particularly so as the COVID-19 pandemic has surged this last year. We are interested in understanding the archetypes of successful campaigns, what campaigns reflect about social conventions of deservingness, and what racial disparities exist in medical crowdfunding. This research will utilize data gathered from viral medical funding campaigns on the GoFundMe platform, and use quantitative and qualitative analysis to review demographic characteristics of highly successful campaigns.
Advice for future applicants
The advice I have for future applicants is to think through what it is you want to take away from the research and the MGE opportunity. Consider how the project itself will help you build skills or advance your understanding in an area, and have realistic learning goals for the timeline given. It is also helpful to choose a mentor who is invested in the vision you have for your future and who is willing to aid you in your goals.
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