MPH Public Health Policy & Management
"I'm proud to be part of an institution that has a uniquely prominent voice in Arizona, and integrates research with advocacy to benefit refugee, border, native, and under-resourced communities."
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Hometown:
Tucson, AZ
Prior Degree(s):BS Industrial Engineering, University of Arizona
Before entering the program:I spent a few months in South Sudan developing database systems for an NGO, then spent a year with Americorps in Tucson developing community programs for refugees at a public school.
Why did you choose public health?After getting a glimpse of international development work, I realized I needed a better context to understand the impact of policies set by governments and international agencies. Education, conflict, economics, and human rights are all connected to health, so working in public health allows me to work in all of these fields.
Why did you choose MEZCOPH?One of the strengths of MEZCOPH is its connection to its community. Tucson is full of opportunities to impact diverse communities and support local organizations, and the University of Arizona is in the middle of so many of these efforts. Having been raised in Tucson, I wanted to learn from people invested in the growth of our community, and I knew MEZCOPH was the place to do it.
Public health interests:I am hoping to work in international development policy, and I want to learn how to gather and use the best data possible to inform good decisions.
Internship:Developing NGO Health Information Systems in a Refugee Camp in South Sudan
Interests/hobbies outside of school:Exploring new restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries, and supporting local musicians and artists at Tucson’s many interesting venues; relaxing by the pool or hanging out on Mt. Lemmon; running; and sleeping, when possible.
Tip for future students:Come with at least a few things you want to get from the MPH program, because two years is a pretty short time. If you don’t usually bike around your city, try it out in Tucson. It’s pretty fun. There’s plenty to discover in Tucson; you just have to go out and look.
