MPH, Community Health

“I was inspired to study public health after volunteering with a medical clinic for the homeless in New Mexico. Working with disadvantaged populations who visited the clinic, I realized that as a public health professional, I could directly affect whole communities as well as individuals. The notion that as a public health professional we can grapple with and conquer large health issues, and change not only our lives but the lives of entire populations, is what inspired me to study public health.”

“What inspired me to study public health is the multifaceted approach involved in solving health problems in a community. As an undergraduate I studied environmental science and had a strong interest in promoting healthy living environments for the underprivileged. As a student in public health I am learning the potential of environmental health to help the most vulnerable; this is what motivates me every step of the way."

PhD, Behavioral and Social Science, Health Communication and Marketing

“A passion for understanding the experiences of people living with chronic illnesses inspired me to study public health. Diabetes is a special area of interest for me. It impacts the well-being of individuals and populations and thus is a significant public health concern."

Epidemiology and Informatics

“My passion for public health stems from my belief that we are to treat others how we would like to be treated and I wouldn’t want to be hungry, drinking contaminated water or dying of a preventable disease.”

DrPH, Epidemiology

“I was inspired by the effects of poor health that I had seen in my own community and I wanted to join the efforts of bringing about change at a large scale. When I learned how multifaceted public health was, I knew that I could find my place in this field and utilize my strengths and skills as a lover of numbers to become an epidemiologist.”

MS, Environmental Health

“What I found attractive about being an environmental scientist or geologist as an undergraduate, was not at all diminished in my pursuit of a public health career. Instead these interests and expertise continue to play an important role in how I approach an environmental health issue. As an environmental health scientist, I am both environmental scientist and public health practitioner."

Behavioral and Social Science

“What really drew me to public health was the desire to prevent disease whenever possible, rather than to treat it after the fact. I also really love how public health involves the entire ecological model: Its effects can be population-wide, yet it really begins at the community level and with each individual’s decisions.”

Behavioral and Social Science
“I was first inspired by public health when I was in dental hygiene school. I rotated through various dental mobile vans and health department dental clinics and was exposed to a population of patients who needed my services more than those I had seen in a private practice office. These experiences inspired me to study the field of public health and pursue a career in dental public health. It is in this field that I find my work to be most appreciated and, in turn, most rewarding.”

Health Policy and Management, Behavioral and Social Science
“I was inspired by my community in Harris County, Houston TX. I come from a community that is affected by various chronic diseases and our diet is a huge contributor to our ailment. Because of this, I decided to become an advocate for a healthier generation and lead by example.”

Community Health, Health Promotion and Communication
“I aspire to improve the overall health and well-being of populations through public health practice. Previously as a pre-med student, I dreamed of navigating patients through their ailments and health issues. However, I came to realize I wanted to use my skills and talents to create an impact and positive change in groups instead of individuals, and be able to empower individuals and populations so that they can be their own health navigators.”