News

In order to graduate, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Master of Public Health (MPH) students must complete a community-based capstone project that emphasizes public health core competencies while demonstrating student leadership skills. By teaming up with local partners, May 2021 graduates Clare Schroeder and Aly Siglock, both of Edwardsville, dedicated their final projects to giving back to their community. 

Schroeder conducted an evaluation of the Mobile Market Program at the St. Louis Area Foodbank. Her evaluation utilized a pre- and post-test survey design derived from the U.S. Household Food Security Module to compare the food security status of first-time market attendees versus those who have made use of the program multiple times.

Schroeder prioritized safety amid the pandemic by moving her research tools online to reduce contact between herself and participants.

“A mobile market is a food distribution event for those living in areas where the food insecurity rate is 15% or higher,” explained Schroeder. “We hope to see that the use of foodbanks and food distribution in large quantities helps increase food security.”

Schroeder strives to make her community a healthier and safer space for all by working in a nonprofit while continuing public health research and activities.

“Being able to work closely with the community and advocate for their needs is extremely important,” said Schroeder. “This project has only emphasized my mission of creating a better place for everyone. I can trust in my ability to conduct a large-scale project while focusing on developing other skills and utilizing my strengths.”

Siglock’s thesis examined 250 suicide deaths in Madison County over the last seven years. Throughout her research, she studied demographic information, any displayed suicide warnings, and underlying factors that may have contributed to each suicide. Using this data, she explored suicide prevention methods with the goal of guiding future suicide prevention research.

“Suicide rates continue to increase, and I want to understand suicide in our county while working on initiatives to prevent it,” shared Siglock. “Suicide affects many people, including those directly experiencing suicidal thoughts and their loved ones. I believe we can all play a role in suicide prevention in our communities, and I’m excited to shine more light onto these prevention strategies.”

The cause is personal to Siglock, whose grandmother died by suicide many years before she was born. To honor her by working to prevent suicide, she has served as a dedicated member of the Madison County Mental Health Alliance and planning committee member for its annual suicide prevention conference, Impact Suicide.

“I am deeply spiritual and passionate about helping others understand and heal their emotional bodies,” said Siglock. “As a person with spiritual gifts, I bring a different perspective to suicide prevention. I believe this is needed, as the previous prevention strategies implemented are not significantly declining suicide rates.”

Siglock hopes to continue to work part time in her community while growing her spiritual business, IM WORTHY IM WITH YOU. Her goals in each profession are to help people live their best lives while making sure they know they are worthy, loved, and never alone.

“I hope to align people with reasons to live and connect them to the community,” said Siglock. “Life would surely go on without us, but life is much more beautiful with all of us together. Healing is an ongoing journey for us all, and I am grateful to facilitate this healing in my community.

“Both Clare and Aly had a clear vision for their capstone projects that combined their interest areas with a real community need,” said MPH program director Alice Ma, PhD, MPH. “They have been able to shed light on important health issues that will have an impact on the communities they support. Their enthusiasm and passion amidst the challenges of the past year were inspired and inspiring.”

Photo: SIUE Master’s of Public Health graduates (L-R) Clare Schroeder and Aly Siglock.