Class of 2026
Parker Chambers Explores Health Policy as a Rackham Fellow
Chambers Chambers Explores Health Policy as Rackham Fellow
Parker Chambers, C'2026, is a senior economics major with a minor in public health from Pasadena, California. Her journey has not been linear, but it has been full of growth, lessons, and learning to trust herself along the way. After exploring different paths and passions at Spelman, she is now crystal clear on what she wants to do -- improve healthcare access in the U.S. and help shape a universal healthcare system that works for everyone.At Spelman, Chambers is very involved across campus. She’s been a scholar in the Health Careers Opportunities Pipeline Preparation Program (HCOPPP), vice president and co-community service chair of the Health Careers Club, and co-founder and co-president of Spelman's Future Public Health Leaders. She has served as a Braven Leadership Ambassador, Georgia Women’s Policy Institute Fellow (2024–2025), and the Student National Medical Association Liaison for Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students. Additionally, she has served as a SpelREADS site lead, peer assistant leader/orientation leader, and is a proud member of Alpha Lambda Delta honor society, and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.
This year, Chambers took on something completely new, and admittedly a little scary she said, by joining the Rackham Aspiring Fellows Program at the University of Michigan.
“I had never done research before, and I wasn’t sure what to expect,” she said. “But I’m so glad I took the chance, because it ended up being life-changing.”
With the support of her mentors Dr. Simone Charles at the University of Michigan, and Drs. Rebecca Sen Choudhury and Na’Taki Osborne Jelks at Spelman, Chambers designed and conducted her own independent research project on the impact of Medicaid expansion on healthcare utilization and self-reported health in young adults using the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data and Medicaid expansion policy data from Kaiser Family Foundation.
Chambers' research found that while Medicaid expansion did improve insurance access for young adults, it didn’t lead to major changes in healthcare use or self-reported health outcomes. The findings suggested that young adults, who tend to be healthier overall, may not feel an urgent need to seek care, even when it becomes more affordable. Barriers like health literacy, administrative issues, and competing priorities may still get in the way.
“The bottom line is that coverage alone isn’t enough,” she explained.“We need broader efforts to actually engage young adults and help them navigate care.”
Chambers presented her research at both the University of Michigan and annual Spelman’s Research Day, where she won first place in the economics department. More importantly, the experience helped her see where her passion truly lies in public health -- advocating for universal healthcare.
“This project helped me focus in,” she said. “It showed me how policy can shape real health outcomes, and that’s where I want to make an impact.”
After graduating from Spelman, Chambers plans to pursue a master’s degree in health management and policy. Her long-term goal is to work on transforming the U.S. healthcare system by expanding equitable coverage and pushing for policies that make healthcare a right, not a privilege.
It’s a huge goal, she said,but as a Spelmanite, I’ve made a choice to change the world, and this is how I plan to do it.”
When asked about the Rackham Aspiring Fellows Program, she encourages other students to give it a shot if interested in research:
"The Rackham Aspiring Fellows Program is a great opportunity to explore research, especially if you’re new to it. Though it’s not something I’ll pursue as a career, it was the perfect space to push myself, learn something new, and become an expert in a topic with so much support. I would recommend it to any student. Just find a mentor early, be curious, and go for it.”