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

I was drawn by the opportunity to be mentored by Filipino-American faculty members and colleagues with the Philippine Health Initiative for Research, Service, and Training who I met when I first visited Brown as an NIH Fellow in 2018.

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

Brown’s Open Curriculum allows students to personalize their degree program based on their personal strengths, interests, and goals. This encourages students to explore and be involved in multiple fields which facilitates interdisciplinary learning that is vital in translating science into service.

What do you enjoy most about your program?

I really enjoy the company of my fellow students and our faculty and staff. It is so inspiring to be surrounded by people with a wealth of knowledge and experience and who are supportive of my personal and academic endeavors.

What is your academic area of interest and why?

I am passionate about addressing pressing issues in the Philippines, including HIV prevention, the protection of children from violence, and the promotion of mental health. I am dedicated to making a positive impact by creating and implementing culturally sensitive, evidence-based, and community-driven intervention programs.

What are your postgraduate goals/plans?

I hope to continue serving marginalized communities in the Philippines as an academic and public health professional after I finish my degree.

Why Providence?

Providence is an ideal place for students to “learn public health by doing public health” because of the strong partnership between the Brown University School of Public Health and the Rhode Island Department of Health which provides opportunities for students to apply lessons learned in class to community settings. The city also offers good food, cultural events, sports, history, architecture, museums, public art, and community-building activities that students can enjoy during their free time. Lastly, it is so close to Boston and New York so it is easy to go on a weekend trip to these cities if you want to take a break from the university.

What advice would you give to a prospective applicant?

Your graduate school activities will be more enjoyable and manageable if you are working on things that are of interest to you. If you do not know yet what interests you, that is okay too. Reach out to faculty members or students to hear about their program and their experience undertaking it and see if you want to embark on a similar journey. Once admitted in a program, make sure to find people who are rooting for you to succeed, and who will help you navigate through the highs and lows of grad school. If you have any inquiries about the Behavioral and Social Health Sciences PhD program, the School of Public Health, Brown, or about graduate school in general, feel free to reach out to me. I would be glad to help you in any way I can.

Want to schedule a Zoom meeting with Irene?