InsideAPE: Jacob Pluznik and HIV Testing in Incarcerated Populations

On this week’s #InsideAPE, we are talking to second-year Epi MPH student Jacob Pluznik. Jacob is working with Dr. Anne Spaulding to study HIV linkages to care in the Washington DC Department of Corrections. Read below to learn more!

Tell us about your APE project

For my APE I am working on a study with Dr. Anne Spaulding in the DC Department of Corrections (DOC). We are examining linkages to care for HIV for incarcerated persons and how different testing methods influence these linkages to care after release.

How did you find your APE?

I found out about my APE opportunity from a friend (Epi Rep Tony Mufarreh) who knew I was interested in finding an APE surrounding HIV and spoke with Dr. Spaulding about the opportunity at an EPI bagel breakfast. He then forwarded the information onto me so I could reach out and pursue it!

How has your experience been so far? Has it been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and if so, how are you adapting to those changes?

My experience has been good so far, and I have really enjoyed being able to work on an interprofessional team with so many awesome people who are so passionate about and good at what they do. It started off slowly but has begun to pick up greatly in the past couple of weeks! Originally, the study was put on hold due to the DOC being closed to outside workers due to the pandemic but is starting to open back up for us to go in, collect, and work with our data.

How did you survive lockdown and what’s the first thing you can’t wait to do once it’s safe again?

I survived the lockdown by trying to stay active and exercising and eating well. I also started experimenting with cooking new and exciting meals for myself to have something to look forward to at the end of my days. Once it’s safe again, I hope I can host some of my friends over for a dinner party to show off what I’ve learned.

Thanks to Jacob for his time and for telling us more about his summer APE! Tune in next week for another #InsideAPE spotlight!