MPH Epidemiology
“MEZCOPH is more than a venue to expand your knowledge, it is an experience. With faculty doing research in a vast array of health areas, you can easily mold your graduate experience into whatever you want it to be. We use the skills we are learning in the classroom to aid communities across the globe and the strangers I met on the first day of orientation are now some of my closest friends.”
-
Hometown:
Gahanna, Ohio
Prior Degree(s):Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences- Public Health, Northern Arizona University
Before entering the program:I went straight into the MPH program after completing my undergraduate degree. During the summer between completing my Bachelors I did a summer internship with the National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health.
Why did you choose public health?When I started my undergraduate degree, I had every intention of becoming a physical therapist (PT). In order to pursue that dream, I was in the Athletic training program. At orientation, I was handed a brochure for the public health program. After taking some time to consider the two programs, I felt that Public Health was a better match for me, considering my interests in health are extremely broad. I still had every intention of becoming a PT, but I thought that an undergraduate degree in public health would give me a broader foundation and would enable me to better serve my future clients. At the end of my junior year, after several internships and one epidemiology class, I realized that my true passion was in behavioral health research and a MPH would better satisfy my constantly changing interests in health.
Why did you choose MEZCOPH?When I was looking at MPH programs I wanted to be a part of a program that offered research opportunities, a sense of community, and, most importantly, a challenging curriculum that would prepare me for life after graduation. I found all of this and more during my first year at MEZCOPH. The first day I stepped on campus I was warmly welcomed by peers, faculty, and staff. Each semester has brought me new challenges and new friends.
Public health interests:Public health research, behavioral epidemiology, rural health, cancer, vaccinations, vector borne illness, and zoonotic diseases, diabetes, and asthma
Internship:Survey of student knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs toward vaccinations at Campus Health Service, University of Arizona.
Interests/hobbies outside of school:Hiking, painting, music (violin), reading, dancing, running, and swimming
Tip for future students:Make time for the things outside the classroom. Tucson offers everything from scenic hikes to relaxing yoga classes, so take time to do the things you love. Public health is about collaboration- connect with your peers and establish expectations early when you are working in teams
