Q: Why did you choose HSPH?
A: I chose HSPH because I wanted to go to a school with a strong epidemiology program and exceptional students and faculty. HSPH is one of the best public health schools in the country and the opportunity to study at Harvard has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. I also received an infectious disease epidemiology scholarship through the Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics that made attending HSPH financially possible.
Q: What are you working on during your time at HSPH?
A: I am in the infectious disease concentration of the Epidemiology department and have been working on a research project about effective contraception use in HIV-positive women in Uganda. I am also the operations chair of the Women of Color Collective of Students and Scholars, which is a student organization that aims to unite women of color and all allies in health and wellness issues affected by ethnic minority populations.
Q: How do you plan to use your education after graduation?
A: After I complete my master’s degree, I hope to continue my education to receive a doctoral degree. I feel a sense of responsibility to use my education to have a positive impact on global health inequalities. My plan is to use research to develop interventions and prevention programs that alleviate the spread and burden of infectious diseases in the most vulnerable populations.
Q: What is your favorite memory of HSPH so far?
A: My favorite memory of HSPH so far has been building relationships with my fellow epidemiology students, sharing ideas and laughs with fascinating people who have the same passions and interests as I do. It’s great to have a group of friends who have gone through everything together and are committed to helping each other succeed.
Reposted January 2014 from the HSPH Alumni Community