For Lacey Roche, research and patient care go hand in hand. As a graduate assistant in Arcadia University’s Public Health Department, Roche has spent her time in the dual degree Master of Public Health (MPH) and Master of Medical Science – Physician Assistant (MMS) program immersing herself in health research while preparing for a future as a healthcare provider.

Her latest project involvement, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Margaret Longacre, dean of the College of Health Sciences and Public Health professor, and fellow graduate assistant Bart Buurman ’25MMS, MPH, focused on an often overlooked group: caregivers for people with Parkinson’s disease. 

“My involvement with the report included supporting the qualitative data portion,” explained Roche. “I worked to conduct interviews with caregivers of people with Parkinson’s disease. The interviews were then transcribed and analyzed for themes throughout the interviews.”

These insights became a crucial component of the recent report “Parkinson’s Disease Caregiving in the U.S.” which was produced alongside the National Alliance for Caregiving and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

“I am grateful to have been part of this project,” Roche said. “These caregivers experience unique challenges, and identifying these areas allows for future research and resources to focus on improving their well-being.”

Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Roche earned her Bachelor of Science in kinesiology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee before enrolling in Arcadia’s dual degree program.

“The dual degree program at Arcadia has allowed me to integrate my interest in Public Health and research with my passion for patient care,” she said. “The Public Health knowledge I’ve obtained at Arcadia has greatly enhanced my understanding of how one’s community impacts health and how to provide patient education in a meaningful way.”

One of her proudest achievements is the publication of her Public Health capstone, a testament to her commitment to research. As she prepares to graduate, Roche hopes to apply her knowledge in a community hospital setting, bridging the gap between research and direct patient care.

Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Roche enjoys running and watching scary movies—a fitting balance to the demanding world of healthcare and research.

With a strong foundation in public health and clinical care, Roche is poised to make a difference, not just for her future patients, but for the broader healthcare community.