Decatur student honored for UW research project

Sienna Mayo, a dedicated student from Decatur High School, was honored at the Federal Way City Council meeting on February 4, 2025, for her innovative research project on medical mistrust in Black children and adolescents. In partnership with UW Medicine’s Office of Healthcare Equity, Mayo explored this critical issue as part of her AP Research class, driven by her passion for psychology and the lack of existing studies on the topic. The council acknowledged the significance of her findings, which were based on surveys and qualitative interviews with 55 Black participants aged 8 to 18. Councilmember Lydia Assefa-Dawson emphasized the importance of Mayo's work for the community and its broader implications. Although Mayo indicated that her sample size was not sufficient for publication, experts like Dr.

Leo Morales recognized her study's impressive sophistication for a high school student. Her research revealed that medical mistrust starts at young ages and increases among older youth, shedding light on the complex factors contributing to this issue. Sienna's conclusion pointed to a pervasive isolation from modern medicine rather than cultural aversion, highlighting a pressing need for community engagement and education. Her aspirations for Federal Way include improved collective action on issues that divide the community, demonstrating her commitment to positive change.