"I'm really interested in learning more about lifestyle and public health in Indonesia. As an aspiring physician, it means a lot to be able to see health practices outside of the United States. The opportunity to study in Indonesia will give me a valuable perspective and deeper appreciation of other cultures."

"I believe that studying abroad this summer will open me up to new connections in the writing sphere. Having experienced other parts of the world outside of the United States will improve my ability be a better storyteller and ultimately benefit my writing career."

WorldCanvass ReCap: Women's Health and the Environment

Cooking with firewood and other biofuels is one of the most urgent problems in the world today. It affects the health and wellbeing of those inhaling the fumes at close range, relies on increasingly scarce sources of firewood, and contributes over 20% of global black carbon emissions. The harm to individuals and the environment cannot be denied, and yet there's little awareness of the issue among the general public. WorldCanvass host Joan Kjaer and a panel of experts drawn from multiple fields including engineering, urban and regional planning, public health, anthropology, and geography discussed the use of traditional wood-burning cookstoves and the complex social and cultural underpinnings of the practice on the April 12 WorldCanvass, a highlight of the UI's yearly  Provost's Global Forum. Check out a recap of the conversation here.