What department are you a graduate student in?
I am hoping to be in the Public Health Program but I initially did non-degree seeking.
Why did you decide to go to graduate school?
To further my education and knowledge in the Public Health Field.
Did your interests change throughout your program?
Yes. First I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field and wanted my MPH while I just had finished my pre-med biology BS degree. While working on the COVID response team at the health department I switch to wanting to pursue to do Epidemiology. As I got further experience I realize that patient care is more my passion.
What do you want to do with your advanced degree?
I want to become a Physician Assistant and specialize in Child and Maternal Health. I want to work in Family medicine and a Public Health Master’s degree would further my knowledge on decreasing health disparities and increasing health equity.

Alexcia Dean is a Masters student in the Public Health program at FSU.