Why did you choose the Brown University School of Public Health?

I chose Brown School of Public Health for a mix of academic rigor, school culture, and student support. It was critical to me to find an environment where doctoral students seemed genuinely happy and well supported, and Brown is one of the few places where this was true. Not only have individuals who I admire in the field of health policy and health economics trained in this program, faculty are excited to meet and work with students. They treat you as a colleague and are thrilled to collaborate. The program itself provides ample opportunity to train within the discipline and cross-train across the university, making it an ideal place to nurture my interests in health care, policy, and economics. As a person interested in both domestic and international health, it was also exciting for me to find research projects and mentors across both domains sitting within one program. 
 

What makes Brown's program different from other programs you considered?

Brown was the only program that did not force me to choose between pursuing a career in international versus domestic health. For me, this was critical as my research focuses on comparative learning both within the US and taking in lessons from abroad. The funding mechanism for the HSPP department is also unique in that it does not tie you to pursuing your dissertation research with a specific faculty member. We are encouraged to explore and develop our independent research agendas, and given the opportunity to assemble the right mentors to achieve our goals and explore our ideas. It is clear that PhD students are valued in their ability to expand the breadth of the department's work, which makes it an exciting program to train within as a doctoral student. 
 

What do you enjoy most about your program?

The people and unexpected opportunities! Students, faculty, and staff have been an incredible support system to me throughout the PhD. They are people who I can work with and ideate with, and simultaneously they make me laugh, feel supported, and excited to come into school. The program has also pushed me to explore professional development opportunities, like conference presentations and internships with international organizations, to expand my research and career possibilities. 

What is your academic area of interest and why?

I work on comparing primary care systems both within the US and across countries, with a specific interest in healthcare design, workforce, and technology use. As primary care can account for most individual health needs, I think it is critical to understand how it can work best and how different contexts can learn from one another to make their own systems more resilient and effective. Not every solution we look for will be found within our own contexts, so it is essential to understand how different systems approach shared challenges, what can be learned from their successes and shortcomings, and how those lessons can be adapted to strengthen primary care in our own settings.
 

What are your postgraduate goals/plans?

Coming into the PhD, I was set on a career in international research contracting. Since being at Brown, I have found enjoyment in teaching and independent research. As a result, I am currently contemplating both paths and will likely apply across both academic and research consulting roles within and outside of the US when I am on the job market.
 

Why Providence?

Providence is both quaint and has a range of activities to keep you occupied. As a student who was new to the city when I moved here, it is really sweet to be able to run into friends and colleagues across the city. It makes it feel like you really have made a community and are a part of the place that you live. Simultaneously, I am constantly surprised by the wave of new restaurants, activities, and events that are constantly popping up making every weekend different.
 

What advice would you give to a prospective applicant?

Think about the environment of the place you are joining as much as the academic rigor. As a doctoral student, you will already put a lot of pressure on yourself, so make sure you are choosing a place that will also support you and help you feel at home.