At the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine–Auburn (VCOM-Auburn), medical students are learning to serve communities long before they graduate. One student-led project is taking on the challenge of teen tobacco and vaping use by assessing awareness and laying the groundwork for prevention efforts in Alabama schools.
A passionate group of students at VCOM-Auburn set out to explore what Alabama high school students know and don’t know about the dangers of tobacco and vaping. What began as a research assignment quickly evolved into a broader mission—to inform public health education and improve adolescent health outcomes.
Led by VCOM-Auburn students Rachael Hildebrand, Jennifer Friery, Emeri Nosal, and Peter Ern—and guided by Mayra Rodriguez, PhD, chair for public health—the project was titled “Examining Awareness of Adverse Effects of Tobacco Use and Assessing Current Tobacco Use Among Alabama Teens.” With support from Beauregard High School educators Erik Goldmann and Richard Brown, the team designed a study to connect classroom learning with real-world public health impact.
From Curiosity to Community Engagement
The students began with a comprehensive literature review, exploring national trends in adolescent tobacco use and examining the latest data on youth perceptions of vaping. After obtaining IRB approval and developing a custom survey, they launched their initial data collection in Mr. Goldmann’s health professional class.
The early findings revealed a promising trend—many students reported they had never used tobacco products and expressed little interest in trying them. They also recognized the addictive nature of both cigarettes and e-cigarettes. However, the survey also showed significant gaps in understanding about the contents of e-cigarettes and their long-term health effects.
Motivated by these results, the team expanded the project to include all students in grades 9 through 12 at Beauregard High School, transforming their project from a classroom study into a school-wide health initiative.
Expanding the Vision
The VCOM-Auburn students presented their initial findings at VCOM Research Day, but they aren’t stopping there. Their next goal is to expand the project to additional high schools in Lee County and eventually across Alabama, creating a broader understanding of where educational efforts are most needed.
"Our goal from the start was simple—see what teens know and what they still need to learn," said one VCOM-Auburn researcher. "By identifying these knowledge gaps, we can be part of a much bigger solution that empowers students to make informed choices."
Preparing Future Physicians, Promoting Public Health
This project highlights how VCOM-Auburn students are preparing not only to become skilled physicians but also public health advocates. With support from their faculty mentor and local school leaders, they’re addressing a pressing health issue—tobacco use among youth—through evidence-based research and community engagement.
As the project grows, the message remains clear: Effective prevention begins with education, and meaningful education starts by understanding what students need to know most.