University of South Carolina
College of Information and Communications
Nick Vera, MLIS, is a Doctoral Candidate in Library and Information Science at the University of South Carolina College of Information and Communications. He is passionate about holistic health and believes strongly in the mantra that prevention is better than cure. He received his Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Masters in Library and Information Sciences from the University of South Carolina.
Vera has a background in community engagement and health advocacy. In 2018, he interned at SC Thrive where he collaborated with community leaders and diverse stakeholders in the Lowcountry, striving to fortify and broaden SC Thrive’s services by integrating public libraries and telehealth professionals. He has also served as the graduate assistant for Cocky’s Reading Express, playing a pivotal role in promoting children’s literacy in Title-I schools across South Carolina.
As a doctoral candidate, Vera’s research examines the impact of social media on the sexual health information-seeking behaviors of young adults in SC. It bridges a critical gap between experts such as health practitioners and teachers – who may not provide accurate, relevant, and comprehensive sexual health information to youth – and social media sources that support health information needs but may lack critical context, quality, or accuracy. My work responds to a call within the field to connect better Library and Information Science to Public Health and to develop strategies that encourage SC young adults to navigate the digital landscape effectively and make informed decisions about their sexual health.
Ultimately, his work contributes to a holistic approach to sexual health education for young adults, recognizing the role of both traditional health practitioners and emerging digital platforms. By combining the strengths of both realms, Vera’s research aims to empower young adults with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about their sexual health, promoting overall well-being and reducing the potential risks associated with missing, inadequate, or misleading information.