Student Spotlight: A Voyager Scholar

What inspired you to apply for the Voyager Scholarship and how did you feel when you found out you’d been selected?

I initially studied chemistry at Brown, but I took a semester off during my sophomore year to intern with a U.S. Senator. During that internship, I answered calls from constituents, and many of their concerns were about access to health care, and public health issues. That experience motivated me to switch my major to public health when I returned to school.

I didn't even know about the Voyager Scholarship until my mom sent me an Instagram post from Michelle Obama the day before the application was due. The scholarship was for anyone interested in public service and I thought it was perfect since I also love to travel. I applied last-minute without any expectations of winning.

Later that summer, I received an email saying I’d won. I was excited, but also felt some imposter syndrome since only 100 people are selected each year. It was surreal.

At the International AIDS Society Conference in Munich, what were some takeaways that shaped your career goals in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention?

I came away from the experience with an understanding that health care is most effective at the community level. Communities affected by HIV/AIDS know their needs best and don’t necessarily need outsiders coming in to tell them what to do. Hearing case studies from different countries made me want to focus more on community-driven solutions. As a gay man, I also have a personal connection to the issue. Seeing the incredible work being done at the grassroots level really resonated with me.

How have your experiences in Munich, Bangkok and Vietnam influenced your understanding of global health, especially concerning HIV/AIDS treatment accessibility and availability?

These experiences changed my perspective on how different countries address HIV/AIDS. For example, I was surprised by the abundance of resources and lack of stigma around HIV/AIDS in Thailand, which differed from what I expected. It reinforced the importance of community-based health care, where local needs and mutual benefit drive the most effective outcomes.

What advice would you give to future scholarship recipients?

Take full advantage of every networking opportunity and use the resources provided by the scholarship. I didn’t fully use the planning support offered, which could have boosted my confidence in organizing my trip. Networking with other scholars is also valuable—I met another Voyager Scholar while in Thailand, which was a great connection.

Do you plan to pursue a graduate degree in public health after graduation?

Yes, I’m applying for the 5th-year master’s program to get an MPH. After that, I might still be in school for a while as I decide whether to focus more on policy. But getting an MPH is my first step, hopefully at Brown.