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

At Brown, I could work on the exact kind of research projects I wanted to while being trained in the epidemiological research methods I wanted to push myself to learn.

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

At all levels, the School encourages support and collaboration between students. While the coursework has certainly been rigorous, getting to work with and learn from other students has made me a much better student myself.

What do you enjoy most about your program?

The belief and commitment that the best way to learn public health is by doing public health.

What is your academic area of interest and why?

My research interests include include harm reduction, overdose prevention, and qualitative research methods. At Brown, I can participate in harm reduction research that really isn't happening anywhere else in the country.

What are your postgraduate goals/plans?

My long-term career goal is to be a professor.

Why Providence?

It's true that everybody knows everybody in Rhode Island and I've loved how that's played out in regards to my research! In Providence, I get to work directly with local stakeholders to do research that is driven by community priorities and that will have a real-world impact.

What advice would you give to a prospective applicant?

I have been (pleasantly!) surprised by how much this PhD program has been a choose-your-own-adventure. Everyone in my cohort has different research interests, course schedules, and research projects. When choosing a program, be sure to talk to faculty and students who are doing the kind of work you want to do so that you can get a better idea of what your time in the program might actually look like.