Spring 2025 Graduating Student Profile
Daniel Blevins
MPH in Applied Epidemiology
Online MPH Student Advances Clinical Research Operations in Hospitals
Daniel Blevins graduated with a Master of Public Health in Applied Epidemiology earned through the online program. While a student in the college, Daniel served underrepresented communities as a clinical researcher at an inner-city hospital and designed a project to enhance clinical research competencies among healthcare professionals. Building on his experience as a clinical research coordinator in pediatric oncology, he now oversees clinical research operations across four hospitals in Southern California!
Daniel Blevins
MPH in Applied Epidemiology
Daniel Blevins graduated with a Master of Public Health in Applied Epidemiology earned through the online program. While a student in the college, Daniel served underrepresented communities as a clinical researcher at an inner-city hospital. There he took on a leadership role and designed a project to enhance clinical research competencies among healthcare professionals. Daniel won the 2025 Outstanding Online MPH Student Award.
In addition, with his background as a Clinical Research Coordinator in pediatric oncology, he played a key role in identifying new therapies for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Daniel has grown in the field and now oversees clinical research operations across four hospitals in Southern California!
Daniel remains passionate about pediatric oncology, global health, health equity, and advocacy. He is considering a DrPH program to further expand his impact in the field of public health.
Congratulations Daniel on your MPH and all you have accomplished!
For this profile, we asked Daniel about what shaped his experience in the online MPH program.
Q: Did you have a teacher or mentor who especially inspired you?
A: Dr. Lisa Labita-Woodson was exceptional. In the first week of her class, she taught us things that I wish I had learned in my first week in the program. She did not just follow a school curriculum but taught us tricks of the trade that we could readily apply. She also works in Chile as a scientist and has a poetry background that she has managed to apply to her work. I just think she is so cool, and I feel like my fellow students and I all wanted to be like her.
Another is Dr. Halimatou Alaofe. I started off very uncertain of the internship I wanted to complete, and I think I drove her crazy. But she never gave up on me and helped me become very successful in the program. I feel so fortunate that she was my advisor and would not be where I am now without her.
Q: How will your education and experience as a public health student influence your path forward?
A: This experience taught me so much but also showed me how much I have left to learn. It opened my eyes to how severely the world needs public health professionals and inspired me to become actively involved in public health. My next step is to pursue a DrPH as I believe the need is dire for more people actively committed to the cause. The exposure I gained from this program has brought me to this goal.
Q: What else would you like to add?
A: One thing that might be overlooked in a master’s program, especially an online MPH program, are the friendships you might make along the way. I feel like I have formed lasting relationships and professional contacts with like-minded individuals who are passionate about public health throughout this program, and it really enhanced my experience. I value the friendships I have made just as much as I value my education, if not more so.