School of Information assistant professor Min Sook Park was awarded a First Year Assistant Professor (FYAP) Grant by the Council on Research and Creativity (CRC) for her project, “Exploring the influencing factors of MMR vaccine information sharing.”

The project investigates the factors influencing the sharing of information about the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, both in-person and online. It examines how personal experiences, risk perceptions, perceived benefits, and trust in authorities shape information-sharing behaviors and influence vaccination confidence. The study focuses on why some individuals distrust vaccines, aligning with the School of Information’s emphasis on studying the role of information in shaping public perceptions and decisions.

“I believe the insights gained from this early-stage research will support my next steps,” Park said. She is hopeful this grant will contribute to securing further external funding through the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) or Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS,) further assisting in her longer-term goals to advocate for health information users by exploring the social implications of technology in health contexts. She envisions using the insights from this project to shape several proposals to external funding sources. 

Looking forward, Park has plans to conduct a series of follow-up studies exploring the perceived risks and benefits of other prevention methods that impact women’s and older adults’ health, as well as the role of information shaping public perceptions. She is also interested in further investigating how digital and in-person communication channels influence public health decisions. Park aims to collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers and public health organizations to develop targeted interventions that enhance health information dissemination and engagement, and she believes this funding is key to expanding this research and its broader applications. 

Park says “The biggest takeaway I hope people gain from my research is a deeper understanding of how information-sharing behaviors influence public health decisions.” By emphasizing the broader personal, social, and perceptual factors that shape how the public engages with vaccine-related information, she aims to influence more effective health communication strategies that foster trust, encourage informed decision-making, and ultimately improve vaccination uptake.