A recent capstone project from the Spring 2025 cohort of the Public Health Culminating Project Experience has achieved the notable distinction of being published in the online journal Cureus. The article—co‑authored by Keelan Boisvert, Chanc Van Winkle, Madelein Colton, Kylie Williams, and Rebecca Brady—examines the impact of adolescent dating violence and bullying among LGBTIQQ and heterosexual adolescents in Vermont.

Drawing on data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), the team felt compelled to explore the emotional components of adolescent violence, aiming to highlight an often overlooked aspect of young people’s experiences. First author and Project Manager Keelan Boisvert reflected on how her prior work with qualitative data and her undergraduate thesis helped prepare her to guide the group through the research and writing process.

Over several months, the students conducted extensive literature reviews, analyzed the data collaboratively, and developed both a final poster and a publishable manuscript. The journey to publication became a meaningful learning experience. The team noted that research rarely unfolds in a linear fashion and emphasized the importance of flexibility, persistence, and resilience throughout the process.

One of the group’s striking findings was how many adolescents—across both LGBTIQQ and heterosexual identities—reported emotional anxiety linked to controlling behaviors in relationships. Their article underscores the need to avoid stereotypes when interpreting youth health trends and calls for public policies rooted in rigorous qualitative and quantitative evidence.

The students presented their work at the American Public Health Association (APHA) annual conference in November 2025. “It was empowering to know that our small research group is part of a larger whole, while also recognizable in its significance,” Boisvert shared.

This Culminating Project Experience was mentored by Dr. Elizabeth Woods, Dr. Elzerie de Jager, and Dr. Tom Delaney.

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