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

I chose Brown SPH because of the incredible breadth of opportunities available to students, both inside and outside the classroom. I knew I wanted a program where I could explore different areas of public health while gaining practical experience through research, internships, and student leadership. Having completed my undergraduate degree in Public Health at Brown, I had already experienced the School’s collaborative community firsthand, so I knew I could thrive here, build meaningful relationships, and be surrounded by people who would encourage me to pursue new opportunities and explore my interests. 
 

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

Brown is different because of its incredibly close-knit and collaborative community. I know many schools describe themselves that way, but experiencing it firsthand really makes all the difference. At Brown, every professor, staff, alumni, and student would be genuinely open to having a conversation, offering advice, or helping you find your next opportunity. It feels like every door is open, and you are welcomed into every space.

That was especially important to me when choosing my graduate program. I wanted to leave my MPH with more than just a degree: I wanted to build a network of mentors, colleagues, and friends who I could continue learning from throughout my career. Brown has given me exactly that.

What do you enjoy most about your program?

As an Applied Epidemiology concentrator, I really enjoy how specialized some of my coursework can be. I’ve been able to dive deeply into areas that interest me, from pharmacoepidemiology and prescription drug policy to health financing and health economics. I appreciate that the program allows me to develop expertise in niche areas while still maintaining a broad public health perspective. Each course has given me another lens through which to understand public health, and I’ve really enjoyed being able to connect those different perspectives.
 

What is your academic area of interest and why?

My academic interests span global health, infectious diseases and tuberculosis, sexual health, behavioral health, and health economics. I was passionate about global health because of my international upbringing, but my interests have continued to evolve through my research, internships, and other experiences at Brown and beyond. One of the things I’ve appreciated most about Brown is having the flexibility to explore these different areas and discover how they intersect. My experiences have helped me move from having a broad interest in global health to developing more specific interests in infectious disease, health systems, health policy, and health equity.
 

What are your postgraduate goals/plans?

After graduation, I hope to work in a large health system or in healthcare consulting, where I can apply my training in epidemiology and public health to real-world health system and policy challenges. I’m particularly interested in work that allows me to combine data and research with health policy, strategy, and improving access to care.
 

Why Providence?

I love that Providence feels like a city without feeling overwhelming. It strikes a great balance: it gives you an escape from the pace of a major metropolitan area while still having a vibrant academic and student community. It’s a place where you can really settle in, build a routine, and enjoy your day-to-day life as a student. Also, the best thing is that it has so many great coffee shops. At the same time, being close to Boston and New York means there are always opportunities to explore beyond Providence.

What advice would you give to a prospective applicant?

My biggest piece of advice would be to apply even if you aren’t 100% sure what you want to do yet. Public health is such a broad field, and you don’t need to have your entire career mapped out before starting an MPH. Take the time to get to know the School, talk to students and faculty, and explore the opportunities available to you. I think you’ll naturally start to find your path once you are here. I also encourage prospective students to look beyond the curriculum when choosing a program. Think about the people you’ll meet, the community you’ll become part of, and the opportunities you’ll have outside the classroom.