The University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing (UM-IHC) offers students at all levels opportunities to work with seasoned researchers and tap into the institute’s expertise and technologies.
For this Student Spotlight, we asked Alicia Hawkins about her experience working on diabetes management and related projects at the UM-IHC.
Hawkins received her bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from the University of Maryland, College Park, in May 2026 and joined the UM-IHC’s Research Internship and Summer Experience (RISE) program and the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) as an epidemiological assistant working with Rozalina McCoy, director of UM-IHC’s Center for Population Health and an associate professor of medicine at UMSOM.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What have you been working on at the UM-IHC?
Combining my background in neuroscience with my interests in diabetes and public health, I have been working with Dr. Rozalina McCoy on clinical research projects focused on diabetes management, comprehensive care and shared decision-making. I was able to lead a project exploring shared decision-making among people living with both diabetes and dementia, and currently I’m building on this work by studying the therapeutic experiences of individuals with diabetes and cognitive impairment and their caregivers.
Beyond this work, I am part of a UM-IHC team investigating comprehensive primary care as a strategy to reduce disparities in diabetes outcomes. I have also recently expanded into osteoporosis research by joining a project evaluating a decision aid designed to support treatment decisions.
Earlier this summer, I had the opportunity to attend the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions with fellow IHC researchers, where I presented a poster evaluating a new decision-aid tool for people with Type 2 diabetes.
Across each of these projects, my work is centered on improving shared decision-making and developing tools that help patients feel more informed, confident and engaged in their healthcare.
What UM-IHC tools and technologies have been helpful in your work?
The faculty and students at the UM-IHC have been incredibly valuable, as have the resources and opportunities provided by the RISE program. Working alongside students with diverse research interests has created an environment where we regularly exchange ideas, provide feedback on one another’s work and collaborate across projects. These connections have allowed me to broaden my research experience beyond diabetes, including by becoming involved in a rural health study and an osteoporosis decision-aid project.
What questions do you hope to answer through your UM-IHC research?
My goal is to help patients and healthcare professionals have more meaningful, person-centered conversations about treatment options. Managing complex chronic conditions like diabetes often involves balancing medical recommendations with a person’s individual goals, preferences and daily life. I hope my research can help identify the barriers patients face when making healthcare decisions and develop tools that make those conversations easier and more effective.
Ultimately, I want to improve shared decision-making so that patients feel informed, empowered and confident in their care, leading to better health outcomes and a higher quality of life.
How has your experience at the UM-IHC prepared you for your next step?
The UM-IHC has provided me with a supportive and collaborative community. Working alongside the team here has helped me build my professional network and learn important skills from my more experienced colleagues. I have seen noticeable growth in my confidence, independence and scientific knowledge in the last couple of months.
I plan to apply to medical school in the coming year, and my time at the UM-IHC has confirmed that I want research to be an important part of my career. I’m coming away with a deeper appreciation for how clinical research can directly improve healthcare and I’m inspired to continue pursuing work that advances medicine and improves patient lives.
