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

I wanted a program where I could build on my undergrad public health experience and strengthen my skills in epidemiology. Brown’s MPH felt like a natural next step — I’ve already been part of the School of Public Health as an undergrad, and I know how supportive the faculty and community are. Staying at Brown lets me maintain those connections and continue learning in a rigorous yet flexible environment.

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

The difference is Brown’s openness and strong ties to the local community. Students are encouraged to shape their own path, and the program makes it easy to connect academic work with applied opportunities. The access to mentorship and the partnership with Rhode Island’s Department of Health provide experiences that most programs simply don’t offer.

What do you enjoy most about your program?

I really appreciate how the program connects to public health work in Rhode Island. Being able to see how research and initiatives directly affect communities makes my studies feel meaningful.

What is your academic area of interest and why?

I’m most interested in epidemiology, particularly how data can be used to understand health inequities and inform policy. I see it as a bridge between research and decision-making, providing the evidence needed to design programs, evaluate outcomes, and guide strategies that improve population health.

What are your postgraduate goals/plans?

I plan to work at the intersection of research and policy, contributing to organizations or government agencies that focus on improving public health systems. Long-term, I could see myself stepping into leadership roles or pursuing further study to continue building expertise.

Why Providence?

Rhode Island may be a small state, but that’s part of what makes it such a valuable place to study and practice public health. The scale makes it easier to build partnerships and see the direct impact of your work. The close collaboration between Brown and the Rhode Island Department of Health gives students unique opportunities to contribute to real projects, influence policy, and engage with communities in meaningful ways.

What advice would you give to a prospective applicant?

Brown gives you the flexibility to design your path, and the best way to take advantage of that is to ask questions, connect with faculty, and use the many applied opportunities in Providence to put your learning into practice.