PhD, Epidemiology (Tucson Campus)
"I truly appreciated my interactions with professors during my studies at MEZCOPH. They provided me with support not only during classes but also in research projects. This aspect has helped me a lot to grow as a researcher, and I hope I will apply what I learned here to help solve health issues where my contribution will be needed."
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Email:
joyluzingu@arizona.edu
Hometown:Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Prior Degree(s):Doctor in Medicine from the University of Kinshasa, DRC, Master in Public Health - One Health from the University of Arizona, Master of Science in Epidemiology from the University of Arizona
Before entering the program:I worked as a physician in the healthcare system in the Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo. I was also involved in public health research through epidemiological surveys and clinical trials
Why did you choose public health?I chose public health because I realized, from my experience as a physician, that I wanted to have a broad impact on the community instead of taking care of patients one after another. Public health seemed to be the right pathway for me to act upstream of the occurrence of disease in the community, mostly infectious diseases among children and pregnant women that are preventable with public health measures.
Why did you choose MEZCOPH?I was admitted in MEZCOPH as a Fulbright scholar to study an MPH program. During the completion of my MPH program, I realized that studying at MEZCOPH was a huge opportunity as it allowed me to interact with amazing faculty and staff. Also, the student community was so diverse that I felt that I was part of a community that looked like a family to me.
Public health interests:Biostatistics, Disease Prevention, Diabetes, Epidemiology, Global Health, Health of Women, Children and Families, Infectious Disease, Nutrition & Diet
Interests/hobbies outside of school:- Listening to music
- Watching movies
- Going to the restaurant with my family
- Working out in the gym
- Visiting tourist attractions
Tip for future students:Do not hesitate to ask for help when you are facing a difficulty at MEZCOPH; there are a lot of resources to help you navigate through your academic progress here. Also, believe in your dreams and work hard to achieve them.
