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

I chose the Brown University School of Public Health because of the warm and welcoming atmosphere I felt from the beginning, the strong sense of community, and the opportunity to learn directly from highly respected faculty who are leaders in their fields. What stood out to me about Brown was that it felt like a place where students are not simply another person in a large program, I truly felt seen. There is a real opportunity to build relationships with faculty, collaborate across disciplines, and become involved in meaningful work beyond the classroom. I wanted a university where I could continue growing professionally while also being part of a community that is collaborative, supportive, and genuinely invested in making an impact. Brown felt like that place for me, and it continues to reinforce why I chose to be here every single day.

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

I considered several other programs but what ultimately stood out to me about Brown was how personal and interdisciplinary the experience felt. I was looking for more than just a strong academic name. I wanted a place where I could build meaningful relationships with faculty, and learn from people doing work that genuinely interests me. Brown gave me the feeling that I could shape my education around where I want my career to go rather than follow one predetermined path. The ability to learn across disciplines and connect with the broader Brown community was especially important to me because my own background crosses public health, emergency medicine, research, and emergency response. I also really valued the accessibility of faculty and the sense that students are encouraged to become involved beyond the classroom.

What do you enjoy most about your program?

What I enjoy most about my program is how much it has pushed me to grow and think differently, especially through the people I have met along the way so far. I came to Brown with a background in public health, emergency medicine, and research. Being here has helped me connect those experiences and interests while developing a much clearer picture of where I want to take my career. Some of my favorite experiences have actually come from conversations with classmates and faculty outside of the classroom. Everyone brings a different story, professional background, and perspective, and I often find myself learning just as much from those conversations as I do from my coursework. I am naturally someone who is always looking for the next opportunity to learn, meet new people, and challenge myself, and Brown has given me an environment where I can continuously do that while pursuing the areas I am genuinely passionate about. 
 

What is your academic area of interest and why?

My academic interest is global health security, particularly biodefense, CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radioactive, Nuclear) preparedness and response. This interest has grown naturally from my background in public health, disaster preparedness and emergency medicine. What draws me to this field is the opportunity to move beyond responding to emergencies after they happen and instead help prepare for, prevent, and manage threats before they become larger crises. Having spent much of my career on the front lines, I want to bring that experience into policy and decision making, where I can help strengthen preparedness and protect communities on a larger scale.
 

What are your postgraduate goals/plans?

Long term, I hope to bring my experience in public health and global health security into national and international scale. One of my goals is to serve on the National Security Council, potentially in a role such as Special Assistant to the President, where I could contribute to decisions involving biodefense. Ultimately, I hope to take that experience to the international level and work with an organization such as the United Nations, where I can help shape decisions that strengthen preparedness and protect populations on a global scale.
 

Why Providence?

What drew me to Providence was how it gives you the feeling of living in a city while still having the comfort and community of a smaller town. Before moving here, I would ask people about Providence, and I rarely heard anything negative. Almost everyone would tell me how much they loved living here, and it honestly took moving here myself to understand why. People are incredibly friendly, there is a strong sense of community, and Brown's campus almost feels like its own little town within the city. I really enjoy having restaurants, events, and everything a city offers nearby while still being able to come back to a neighborhood and campus that feels welcoming and familiar.

What advice would you give to a prospective applicant?

My biggest advice would be to be yourself and let your story come through in your application. Do not focus only on having the perfect resume or checking every box. Think about what experiences brought you to public health, what you genuinely care about, and what kind of impact you want to make with your education. After all, we have to choose to live our dreams and turn them into reality, and there is no better way to do that than by embracing who you are and who you have the potential to become. Most importantly, come in with an open mind and take advantage of every opportunity because there is so much here beyond the classroom. And lastly, I would encourage you to reach out to current students and faculty, ask questions, and really get to know the Brown community. Everyone here is incredibly welcoming, and even if you ultimately decide Brown is not for you, we still enjoy meeting and connecting with others. Be careful tho, because you might just fall in love!