Easton Davis

Before becoming an integrative studies major, Easton Davis was a molecular and cellular biology major, but he wanted to study how these scientific studies relate to people and society.

“I have always loved learning about biology and living things, especially how they pertain to human health,” Easton said. “Harding offers amazing science courses that dive deep into the biological sciences and their effect on our world medically, but I felt like I needed to study people, cultures and poverty because I think how people communicate and interact with each other reflects their values of themselves and ultimately their actions.”

As part of the curriculum for the integrative studies major, Easton took the StrengthsFinders test, getting high results in relationship building.

“I knew in that moment that I needed to be preparing myself now to set myself up to have a career in relationship building, working in close contact with people to help them get healthier, Easton said. “The integrative studies major allowed me to learn what I love learning about while taking classes that develop my skills of leadership and relationships all while preparing myself for grad school and a career in public health.”

Easton is now an integrative studies major with concentrations in molecular and cellular biology, culture studies, and Bible and ministry. This plan allows him to take nearly all the courses he would have taken on his original track while expanding his academic studies to include different perspectives.

“The integrative studies major gave me an idea and a direction when I previously had none,” Easton said.

For his senior capstone project, Easton plans to use his knowledge of culture, people, disease and health to study a cultural phenomenon and how it affects the way people understand and view personal and communal health. He is particularly interested in the anti-vaccination movement and the worldviews that accompany it.

“Domestically, public health can look a lot like social work, which deals with real problems like alcohol and opioid addiction,” Easton said. “Globally, it can look like microbiology, virology and epidemiology, which all deal with diseases. Public health can require me to write policy, teach health classes, work for the government, work for non-profits, participate in anti-homelessness projects, and so many other things. And I am ready for any and all of it because I know this is what God put me here to do.”