MPH Family & Child Health - Global Health
“Graduate school is challenging but the MEZCOPH community has had my back and encouraged growth in ways I could not fathom at the start of my MPH. I will graduate with the ability to work on interdisciplinary teams, critically analyze health interventions from multiple perspectives, and be an inclusive public health professional.”
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Email:
kateycored@email.arizona.edu
Hometown:Albuquerque, New Mexico
Prior Degree(s):Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Fort Lewis College
Before entering the program:I served as an HIV Outreach Specialist with the Peace Corps in South Africa. Upon returning to the States, I recruited New Mexican schools for a national Non-profit’s fundraisers and service learning projects.
Why did you choose public health?Public health chose me because it combined my passions for cross-cultural interactions, service, and science, and augments my psychology knowledge. Growing up in New Mexico, I saw how health disparities impacted children and wanted to be a part of the solution. However, I did not contemplate public health until college when I became enamored with international work through water and sanitation projects in Ecuador and then a semester abroad in Botswana. Those experiences solidified my decision to pursue an MPH, as it is a prominent degree requirement to work abroad in my desired capacity.
Why did you choose MEZCOPH?MEZCOPH’s Family and Child Health with a Global Health Concentration, epitomized what I wanted out of an MPH and the proximity to US/Mexico border is ideal for global health. Yet, I was apprehensive as my undergraduate institution had about 5,000 students and the U of A’s size was a culture shock! During a campus visit, the student, faculty, and staff members I encountered made me feel supported and wanted at the college. Also, MEZCOPH enables me to remain in the beautiful deserts and mountains of the Southwest!
Public health interests:Monitoring and Evaluation, Stigma Prevention, Psychosocial Aspects of Infectious Diseases, and Increasing Accessibility in the Global Health Workforce
Internship:Developing Interventions to Reduce Pediatric Malaria and HIV in Female Sex Workers with Partners in Health, Rwanda
Interests/hobbies outside of school:Hiking, Reading, Practicing French and Spanish, Keeping in touch with loved ones, and Dancing (I participate in Grupo Folklórico Miztontli, the U of A’s inclusive and student-run ballet folklórico group)!
Tip for future students:Serve on MEZCOPH committees and choose electives out of your concentration. It is a great way to interact with the other disciplines and concentrations!
