Orientation 2024: Welcoming New Graduate Students with a Focus on Teamwork, Practice and Persistence

New students gathered at the School of Public Health for orientation events, eager to take on the academic year.

New students socialized in the lounge of 121 S Main Street to kick off SPH Orientation 2024.

A panel of second year MPH students shared their experiences with the new MPH cohort.

Assistant Dean of Education Jesse Yedinak Gray presented academic resources to start the new school year.

Senior Associate Dean of Education Ronald Aubert welcomed the incoming public health master's and doctoral students.

Students had a chance to mix and mingle, meeting one another during breakout sessions throughout the day.

On a late-August New England morning, the Brown University School of Public Health was abuzz as a new cohort of graduate students settled into 121 South Main Street for Orientation Day 2024. Dr. Francesca Beaudoin, academic dean and associate professor of emergency medicine and epidemiology, welcomed students to the school from as far away as Ukraine and South Korea, and as nearby as Rhode Island neighborhoods.

“I remember looking at many of your applications and I am in awe of all of you and what you bring here,” she said. “We’re here to support all of your goals and visions and will equip you to do great things in the world.”

This year’s graduate class has a wide array of professional aims, with many aspiring to attend medical school and doctoral programs, while others are focused on entering the public health workforce, saving lives and making a difference at home and abroad.

Dr. Beaudoin stressed that the school fosters a culture that enables its students to thrive, collaboratively, as both scholars and professionals. She encouraged the new students to be the person, the spark, who brings people together.

“Public health is a team sport,” Beaudoin said. “It takes a team and everyone has a role. Challenge and support each other. Your classes will be hard but there’s a goal at the end. Bring that energy. Persist and practice and you will get it done.”

More Scenes from SPH Orientation 2024

Students mixed and mingled outside the School of Public Health

The morning's events allowed new students to meet their colleagues

Professor Amal Trivedi presented to the incoming student cohort

Students met peers within their academic programs during lunch receptions

Students heard from school leadership about the upcoming school year

Accelerated MPH students met one another and program leadership

Students enjoyed social activities well into the evening, traveling to Newport by ferry and checking out Brown's GCB

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