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

I chose Brown University School of Public Health due to its program structure, flexibility, and renowned professors and staff that work hard to ensure you have a positive graduate school experience.

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

Brown's online MPH program allows you to continue your education while maintaining a professional career, too. The curriculum design allows you to focus on only a few courses at a time, which allows you to learn more and form connections with your professors.

What do you enjoy most about your program?

I enjoy that for a lot of our assignments, we have the freedom to center our work around the public health topics that interest us the most. Collaboration is a big part of our program as well. Even with being in an online program, forming relationships with classmates is easy and open communication is always encouraged.

What is your academic area of interest and why?

My work lies within behavioral and social health and epidemiology. I focus on the social factors that contribute to sexual health disparities amongst minority adolescents and young adults in the US. It's important to me coming from a city that has high STD/STI rates among young people and marginalized communities. Reducing stigma and increasing access to resources is something I am passionate about and hope to continue to do work that makes an impact in this field.

What are your postgraduate goals/plans?

I plan to obtain my PhD in order to conduct my own independent research centered around improving sexual health among young people.

What advice would you give to a prospective applicant?

Don't be afraid to ask questions! When picking a graduate school, you should always have a list of questions that you know are important to you when seeking a potential fit. Everyone at Brown is willing and ready to answer those for you and help you feel more at ease during this process. Visit campus, attend sessions with program staff and current students, and choose the school that will support you and your future goals the best!