Briana Bonner, Truman State University

Briana Nicole Bonner, a junior Health Science major at Truman State University, has a strong passion for helping ALL individuals with disabilities.  Stimulated by research done about the quality of life among adults with developmental disabilities who participate in community based centers, Briana felt a need for the campus to get more involved in outside community programs that assist individuals with disabilities.  She regularly volunteers at the People Achieving Connections Together (PACT), a center that provides daily activities for individuals with developmental disabilities in Kirksville, Missouri.  Her experiences at the PACT center led her to propose a student initiated course, Disability and Community Connect, which was offered in 2013 to prepare students to both volunteer and work in community based programs for disabled individuals.  She is currently Professional Development Chair for Student Public Health Association, a Student Advisor, President and Choir Director of Unique Ensemble Gospel Choir, Study Abroad Ambassador, and a McNair Scholar.  Additionally, during the summer of 2012 Briana worked in clinics, providing medical care to children and adults in Botswana Africa.  Briana is determined to earn a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Science and will devote her life to improving the life chances of those with disabilities.