PhD, Epidemiology
“During my time at MEZCOPH, I have been introduced to new perspectives, developed relationships with colleagues and professors, and have had the opportunity to pursue amazing research experiences. It has been amazing to be a part of a college that seeks to serve the community – in Tucson, the United States, and internationally.”
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Email:
magdielhabila@email.arizona.edu
Hometown:Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
Prior Degree(s):B.S. in Psychology from Pacific Lutheran University, Masters of Public Health in Epidemiology at the University of Arizona
Before entering the program:Prior to starting my PhD, I completed my MPH here at MEZCOPH.
Why did you choose public health?I think that living in the United States with all the privileges that it has, it is easy to ignore all of the poverty and hardship that people experience on a daily basis. I chose public health because it is an avenue through which I can work to identify the problems in our society that cause people to experience suffering. Public health is also equips me with the tools that I would need to combat those issues and improve the quality of life for people that would otherwise be overlooked.
Why did you choose MEZCOPH?I chose to come to MEZCOPH because of the College’s dedication to applying the tools that we learn in Public Health to improving the lives of those in need. I also really like that the college was dedicated to research both locally and internationally.
Public health interests:I am interested in women’s reproductive health, cancer epidemiology research in developing nations, and the interaction between infectious diseases and cancer.
Dissertation:My dissertation topic is yet to be determined, but it’ll be related to cancer epidemiology
Interests/hobbies outside of school:Outside of school, I love to read, play violin, drink delicious coffee (or tea - I don’t discriminate), go to musicals or concerts, and knit.
Tip for future students:My advice to future students is this – build relationships with the students, faculty and staff at MEZCOPH. The faculty and staff at MEZCOPH are incredibly resourceful and willing to help students achieve their goals, and if they can’t help you directly, they know someone who can and they will put you in contact with that person.