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

I chose Brown because of its emphasis on leadership and translating public health into practice. Alongside gaining foundational information from experts in various sectors of public health, I have been able to learn how to positively impact change in communities by focusing on health equity. Brown’s commitment to diversity in the public health workforce, exemplified by the Health Equity Scholars program, also had a huge impact.

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

Brown truly emphasizes collaboration across disciplines, and it is evident in the high quality of faculty and staff in the school. There are physicians, lawyers, social workers, those who have done extensive international work, researchers focusing on every subject area you could think of, all under, literally, one roof. Having access to these individuals has been transformative and inspiring.  

What do you enjoy most about your program?

I love the structure of the program and the liberty students have to chart their own paths. Students can follow a concentration that is already solidified, choosing to take electives outside of it to complete their education, or completely create their own plan through the Interdisciplinary concentration.

What is your academic area of interest and why?

My research interests are centered around maternal health, particularly in how preconception health impacts fertility/reproduction and why disparities exist between certain populations. Many disparities exist because of system-level infrastructure, so understanding them from a population perspective was important to me.

What are your postgraduate goals/plans?

I plan to go on to medical school and become an OB/GYN in communities with a high proportion of historically underserved individuals. I am confident that my choice to pursue my MPH before a medical degree has given me a lens that will benefit the communities I hope to work in.

Why Providence?

I’ll be honest— coming from Houston, Texas, and completing my undergraduate education at one of the largest HBCUs, I was wary of moving to a small, “Ivy” city. I am happy to say that I am impressed! Brown is situated in a diverse community, and there are tons of fun things to do and great restaurants to try!

What advice would you give to a prospective applicant?

Do your research! Spend time learning about the prospective school’s mission and vision and consider how you would like to learn from and contribute to them. Connect with students and professors to find out how they translate their big mission and vision goals into action.