Raising Awareness ON Infectious Disease Outbreaks
Our Story: Outbreak Proof Loei Initiative
What started as a summer research project, the fight against infectious disease outbreaks has grown into a passionate commitment. Our journey started with a study of leptospirosis, an infectious disease that affects both humans and animals in communities in Thailand. As we carried out the study, we learned that equipping communities with the knowledge to defend themselves was the first step toward disease prevention.
Through our work, we recognized there was a significant need to educate and raise awareness about infectious disease outbreaks. This inspired us to establish One Health Day: Exploring Outbreak Education—a convention that brings together experts in public health, ecology, veterinary science, and policy. On September 28th, 2024, we will host One Health Day: Exploring Outbreak Education, where speakers from the Las Vegas community, along with experts from the Broad Institute of MIT & Harvard and other prestigious institutions, will provide insight into infectious disease outbreaks through the four sectors.
Our commitment to raising awareness on infectious disease outbreaks led to the creation of the Operation Outbreak Club. This embassy was built on collaboration and a shared commitment to empower individuals with the knowledge to prevent and respond to infectious disease outbreaks. The Operation Outbreak Club Board is not only raising awareness but also creating a significant impact on today's and future generations.
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MEET THE ClUB BOARD
Co-President
Ella Yuyang
This year, Ella is a sophomore in West Career and Technical Academy’s nursing program, but early on, whether it was making friends with a stranger in elementary school, cheering up a friend after a bad day, or, now, assisting as an intern in a local Las Vegas pediatrician’s clinic, she has always felt inclined to help others. Hearing about the Operation Outbreak summer research program, she was slightly hesitant in her abilities, considering her being newly out of freshman year. However, after joining a research group, working with her fellow members to establish a clearer understanding of their research topic, and organizing a structured research approach, she slowly eased into the process. With her solidified confidence, she works diligently to involve herself in this outbreak science research. After high school, Ella intends to pursue a career as a registered nurse or surgical technologist.
Co-President
Soren KIm
Soren, a sophomore enrolled in the Biomedical Sciences program at West Career and Technical Academy, is very passionate about learning anything related to the medical field. When his biology teacher, Mrs. Kung offered him the opportunity to join the Operation Outbreak summer program; he jumped at the chance to learn about outbreak science. Soren is hoping to make the most of the rest of his high school career and is grateful to have a role in the Operation Outbreak Embassy.
Secretary
VanessA Lei
Vanessa’s a senior in the nursing program at West Tech. The Operation Outbreak summer program has taught her the immense importance of community engagement and raising awareness on public health. After high school, she plans to pursue biology with a pre-med track. In her free time, she enjoys card-making, trying new foods, and travelling with family.
Treasuer
Chloe
Ting
Chloe is a senior in the biomed program at West Tech. She has a passion for taking film pictures, cooking, and spending time with her friends. Above all else, she loves to learn. Joining Operation Outbreak taught her vital lessons about outbreak science and inspired her to raise awareness about it in her community. Moving forward, Chloe plans to study Biology or any other pre-med major.
Parlimentarian
Evelin
Simon-Roberto
Evelin is a senior in the nursing program at West Career and Technical Academy. Prior to joining The Operation Outbreak Embassy, she engaged in hobbies like dancing and volunteering at her local church. Working on The Operation Outbreak Initative has enabled her to see how important advocacy for infectious disease outbreaks is. After high school, Evelin hopes to pursue biology or be in the pre-med track.
Manager of Operations
Eric
Goroza
Eric is a sophomore in West Career and Technical Academy’s Biomedical program. He has had several interests over the course of his life, including diseases, so when the opportunity came for him to join a summer research opportunity at his school, he couldn’t pass it up. From there, Eric was able to put his interest on full display, eventually being accepted to plan the One Health Day: Exploring Outbreak Education convention and chosen as an officer for his school’s Operation Outbreak Embassy. Outside of research and academics, he is a competitive fencer and hospital volunteer, and spends his time listening to music or speedcubing. In the future, he hopes to enter the medical field.
Director of Publicity
ARiel
Yeater
A senior in the nursing program at West CTA, Ariel loves giving back to the community that gave so much to her. Enjoying policy, marketing, and chemistry, she joined Operation Outbreak to further her skills. In the future, Ariel hopes to pursue a successful occupation in business or medicine.
OUR TEAM MEMBERS
Veterinary committee
BROOKE Vanderlind
Brooke is a sophomore in West Career & Technical Academy's Biotechnology program. She is passionate about various medical topics including cancer, outbreak science, zoology, marine biology, etc. Brooke has participated in the Summer Healthcare Experience in Oncology program, and has placed in several science fairs with her research. Through her biotechnology program and participating in Operation Outbreak, she has developed a passion to promote awareness about disease prevention, transmission, and monitoring, in human and animal medicine. Brooke is excited to collaborate and develop the veterinary science program for the One Health Day. Outside of academics and science programs, Brooke is a competitive swimmer and enjoys spending time outdoors. In the future she plans to pursue a degree in human or animal medicine and research.
policy committee
Matthew HUN
Matthew is a Senior at Hoover High School in Fresno, California. He is enthusiastic about human relations and creating positive change throughout his community. Whilst immersing himself with the Operation Outbreak program, he has learned about public health and policy making, which he hopes to help educate his peers and community. Matthew aspires to pursue a career in Human Relations or Business.
Public Health Committee
Melody LI
Melody is a junior in the biotechnology program at West Career and Technical Academy. She enjoys laboratory work, design, and creative writing. In the future, she would like to pursue biochemistry or bioengineering. She is grateful for the opportunity to be involved in Operation Outbreak.
Policy Committee
Gavin KUNG
Gavin is a senior at the Meadows School. He has a keen interest in policy debate. Working on the One Health Day with his peers has enabled him to see how much policy can directly affect the lives of so many people on a global scale and reap the benefits of collaboration at its finest. In college, Gavin will be studying political science and hope to make impactful societal changes.
Policy Committee
Alan Liang
Alan is an upcoming first-year at Cornell University studying on a pre-medicine track. He enjoys exploring nature and spending time with friends and family. Through Operation Outbreak, Alan has been exposed to the importance of outbreak science in the prevention of future disease transmission. After his time in university, Alan hopes to pursue a career in medicine which focuses on prevention rather than intervention when combating disease.
Public Health Committee
Gabriel Kung
Gabriel is a sophomore at the Meadows School. Working on One Health Day with new people and medical professionals has shown him the impact of health on everyday lives of everybody around him. He wants to pursue a career in business of public health.