PhD Environmental Health Sciences
“I appreciate the diversity of the MEZCOPH community. Despite all of the different cultures, personalities, experiences, and backgrounds of the students and staff, I’ve always felt very welcome and at home.”
-
Hometown:
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Prior Degree(s):HBSc Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Toronto; MS Environmental Health Sciences, University of Arizona
Before entering the program:I worked as a Research Technologist at The Hospital for Sick Children after I finished my bachelor’s degree and briefly traveled before starting the master’s program.
Why did you choose public health?I’ve always been interested in working in healthcare and saw public health as a diverse and growing field, with great potential to impact many communities; capturing and educating individuals at the prevention stage.
Why did you choose MEZCOPH?I started my undergrad at UA, before moving back to Canada after my second year. During this time, I got to know the campus quite well. A couple of years after I had completed my bachelor’s degree, I started looking into different graduate programs. When the opportunity presented itself, I decided to apply to the program at MEZCOPH since I was already familiar with the vibrant city.
Public health interests:Infectious disease spread, prevention, and containment
Thesis:Schistosoma mansoni, S. japonicum, and S. haematobium: Characterization of host attraction and attachment, with evaluation of a novel environmental surveillance method.
Interests/hobbies outside of school:Cooking, hiking, travel, cultural exchange
Tip for future students:Network and get to know people, not only those in your field of study but outside of it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or make first contact. Also, take all opportunities to present work, those skills will only aid you down the road as well as build confidence.
