MPH Epidemiology
“MEZCOPH fosters a family like environment where there is a diverse group of individuals from various interests and backgrounds. MEZCOPH promotes social interaction along with education so that we may be successful. MEZCOPH created an environment where I could be flexible in where I could focus my interest within my concentration. It allows us and encourages us to get real world experience before we graduate from the program so that we can be successful in our future careers.”
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Hometown:
Tuba City, AZ
Prior Degree(s):BS Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics and Psychology (double major), University of Arizona. MS Tumor Biology, Georgetown University.
Before entering the program:Finishing a master’s degree in tumor biology and taking a short break between graduation and the start of MEZCOPH program.
Why did you choose public health?Coming from the hard sciences and wanting to enter a career in medicine, I had to think in a larger scope rather than just focus on the individual. Public Health does that, since you are trying to impact change on the larger level through communities, education and society rather than just helping one person at a time. It helps highlight and define the limitations or aspects as a whole society. Also, growing up the reservation, I have seen numerous generations of families impacted by various forms of cancer through the uranium mining, as well as how diabetes/obesity has a huge impact in the role of one's health.
Why did you choose MEZCOPH?I had a choice of public health schools that I applied to and got accepted to, but ultimately it came down to funding the education. If I had decided to choose an Ivy league school, it would mean that only part of the tuition would be funded through my scholarship, whereas at MEZCOPH, 90% of my tuition and living expenses are covered. Also, since the UA is a public research institution, there is always the ability to get involved in numerous projects around campus. As an undergrad, I enjoyed my time here at the university and working at the Arizona Cancer Center.
Public health interests:Chronic Disease: Cancer Prevention and Aging
Internship:Evaluation of a Virtual Reality Based Balance Training Program in Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Tip for future students:All research is public health. When you apply to higher education, you are committing yourself to public health and contributing to new ideas/innovations/research. Take the opportunities provided to you by the college (or other departments/concentrations) and get to know faculty/staff. Be diligent in what you would like to ultimately pursue.
