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

The pandemic really helped a lot of schools broaden their virtual options for academic learning, which is great! But I knew that I wanted in-person instruction for a Masters's program, and Brown was right in my backyard. Because the Brown SPH is relatively new, I felt like I had the opportunity to be part of a new chapter of excellence for the University, one that was at the forefront of innovation. Following champions in public health like Dr. Meghan Ranney and Dr. Jha on social media made me realize that Brown was really setting itself apart in the field of public health and championing causes that were important to me- like gun violence, pandemic response, and child and maternal health. Plus, I love Rhode Island and want to be part of an institution that is constantly looking to improve the quality of life for all its residents.

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

Brown really values lived experience. Despite never getting a bachelor's degree, Brown recognized my professional and personal experience as a valuable part of my educational journey. They accepted me into their program because they saw the value I could bring as a person with lived experience. Creating public health leaders means listening to the communities we seek to improve and letting people be the experts in their own lives- something that not every higher education place understands. I think there is still a long way to go, but Brown is making a deliberate effort to bring the community into their research and academic spaces, and I'm grateful for it.

What do you enjoy most about your program?

The professors! Having the chance to work closely with some of the best professors in the country is such a privilege. There is so much talent at Brown. Knowing that the people leading national public health campaigns are just an email away is something that I cannot quantify. Truly, I feel like each instructor I have had is invested in my success. I've made countless personal and professional connections that have helped advance my career and enrich my experiences here in SPH.

What is your academic area of interest and why?

Right now I am focused on child and maternal health. Specifically, I am interested in the experiences of people who give birth while they have substance use disorder. I'd like to better understand how doctors respond to folks who seek SUD treatment while pregnant, and how and why they might be referred to the Department of Children Youth and Families. My research asks: what kind of outcomes are birthing people and their families experiencing as a result of these interventions? Rhode Island has been impacted particularly hard by the opioid epidemic. While public health officials are rightly focused on preventing overdose deaths by making Narcan more accessible to folks and breaking the stigma related to treatment for SUD, often the interventions related to pregnant people with SUD are punitive and focused on the unborn child, not necessarily the person experiencing the disorder. To create better policies, we must first inform ourselves of the process and experiences that already exist, which is what my research aims to do.

What are your postgraduate goals/plans?

I am already working in the field of public health at a federally qualified healthcare facility, and I plan to continue my work post-graduation. I'd like to explore leadership opportunities within the health equity field, focusing on women and children.

Why Providence?

A quick walk through College Hill on a brisk Autumn day could answer that question- Providence is beautiful! The foliage in the fall, the snow in the winter, the incredible summers at the RI beaches (which are only a short drive away) are just a few of the reasons to come to Providence. But the best reason? The food. Providence is a foodie paradise, you are never far away from your favorite meal. I no longer need an excuse to drive "to the city" and grab lunch at my favorite spots.

What advice would you give to a prospective applicant?

Do not doubt yourself. You belong here. Come visit the city and experience what makes it special, and connect with some of the incredible researchers and leaders here on campus. Find out where the fire in their belly comes from, and let it ignite your own path to Brown and the School of Public Health.