What department are you a graduate student in? 

I am a student in the Master of Public Health program. 

Why did you decide to go to graduate school? 

I decided to attend graduate school to learn more about the field of Public Health as a whole, and to enhance future opportunities in the field. 

Did your interests change throughout your program?

Throughout my time in the program, I have had a strong interest in Maternal and Child Health (MCH) and related policies. Currently, I’m completing my internship where I am conducting research on state and federal policies related to substance use during pregnancy. This experience has further enhanced my interest in conducting future research on policy impacts for MCH populations. 

What do you want to do with your advanced degree?

With my advanced degree, I am hoping to continue conducting health policy-related research to inform policymakers and improve MCH population health outcomes. I am interested in potentially applying to Public Health PhD programs to gain more expertise in being able to conduct this research.