Sahar Abuouf
Khartoum, Sudan
MPH, Epidemiology

About Sahar

Why I Chose Dornsife: Vibrant community, diverse culture and interests, expert faculty, and hands on experience opportunities

Research Interests: Equity in Healthcare, Child and Maternal Health, Preventive and Community Medicine

Regine Auguste
Brooklyn, NY
MPH, Community Health and Prevention

About Regine

Why I Chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife because of its strong commitment to health equity and social justice. Dornsife has allowed me to think outside the box with its experiential learning and take what I've learned in the classroom out into the real world. The program is very flexible and allows me to pursue my interests that will support me in my future career.

Research Interests: Mental Health, Health Disparities, Public Health Practice, Social Determinants of Health, Collective Agency and Community Power

Varun Awasthi
Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, India
MPH, Epidemiology

About Varun

Why I Chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife SPH because of its commitment to health equity. At Dornsife, students participate in a variety of practical learning experiences that help them develop their public health skills. These experiences can help students clarify their career path. Also, as one of the top ranked public health institute in the US with an urban setting, Drexel brings strong and diversified local connection.

Research Interests: Cancer research, Health Economic Outcomes Research, Real World Evidence

My APE: I worked as a Graduate Research Assistant with the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute under the supervision of my research mentor, Dr. Marisa Patti. I supported a project titled “A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) in Screening for Autism.” Through this role, I gained hands-on experience in systematic review methodology, data extraction, meta-analysis using R, and interpretation of diagnostic accuracy metrics. I have continued working with the team beyond my APE to further contribute to this project. This experience has been deeply rewarding and has significantly strengthened my research and analytical skills.

My ILE: I am working under the supervision of Dr. Brian Lee on a data analysis project examining the association between Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS) for Autism and ADHD and medication-use patterns among older adults in the United States using the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) dataset. This project has allowed me to strengthen my skills in data management, statistical analysis, and interpretation of genetic epidemiology data. It also deepened my understanding of how genetic and behavioral factors intersect in population health research.

Other Activities: I serve as a Graduate Student Assistant at the Office of Disability Resources, where I proctor exams and support students requiring testing accommodations. In addition, I work as a Graduate Research Assistant at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, contributing to ongoing research on autism screening and measurement.

Marissa Bacon
Philadelphia, PA
MPH, Epidemiology (online program)

About Marissa

Why I Chose Dornsife: Of the many MPH programs I considered, Drexel was the only program that I felt would allow me to tailor my degree experience exactly how I wanted. Other programs were often too general, but at Drexel I have the opportunity to concentrate my degree in epidemiology while still taking classes that interest me and will help shape my development. Although I am an online student, I still feel connected to the Drexel community and have several opportunities to visit and interact with those on campus.

Research Interests: Social Determinants of Health, Health Literacy, Data Analysis and Research Methods

My APE: I completed a review of how study abroad programs may aid non-traditional students from underserved backgrounds.

My ILE: Using data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), I will be investigating the association between information seeking behavior, confidence in finding health information, and trust in various information sources and health status. Additionally, I will examine how education may moderate this association.

Raksha Bhat
Kumta, Karnataka, India
MPH, Epidemiology

About Raksha

Why I Chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife because of its strong emphasis on health as a human right and its commitment to social justice in public health practice. I like how the school of public health integrates rigorous scientific training with community engagement and policy impact, the collaborative environment, diversity of perspectives, and opportunities to work on meaningful projects really drew me to Dornsife.

Research Interests: Oncology, Cardiovascular Diseases and Neurodivergence

Christopher Boco
North Wales, PA
Executive MPH (minor in Urban Health)

About Christopher

Why I Chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife School of Public Health because of the flexibility to explore different areas of interest in the field of public health and for the opportunity to build connections with other students, professors, and organizations within the Philadelphia area and beyond. The classwork as well as my Applied Practical Experience have helped me develop professional skills with understanding research statistics, deeper knowledge of regulations for different industries, insight into potential future public health issues and working with statistical and visualization software for public health related activities to take the next step in my career. I'm appreciative of the opportunities that Dornsife has provided and excited to see the journey I take with this newfound knowledge!

Research Interests: Urban Health, Infectious Disease, Epidemiology, Substance Use, Harm Reduction, Community-based Participatory Research

Mili Rahul Bulsari
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
MPH, Epidemiology

About Mili

Why I Chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife because it is built on the belief that health is a human right, and that principle shapes everything we learn and do here. Every class challenges me to think in new ways and connect ideas I hadn't considered before. The professors are approachable and genuinely invested in helping us succeed, both inside and outside the classroom. I also value how Dornsife gives students the space to explore different interests and build on their strengths. It's where I've learned to connect my pharmacy background with broader questions about equity, data, and health systems

Research Interests: Clinical Epidemiology, Evidence-Based Medicine, Health Policy and Program Design, Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR), Health Equity, Social Determinants of Health, Medication Use and Patient Outcomes, Substance Use and Addiction, Aging and Functional Health, Real-World Evidence

My APE: I completed my Applied Practical Experience with the National Kidney Foundation Serving Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where I supported kidney health education and outreach initiatives and analyzed community data to strengthen local efforts advancing health equity and prevention.

My ILE: My Integrated Learning Experience analyzes national MEPS data to examine how medication costs and insurance coverage influence the affordability and continuation of GLP-1 receptor agonists compared with other antidiabetic treatments. The project aims to identify structural barriers that drive inequities in diabetes care and access to essential therapies in the U.S.

Amanda Crocker
Rochester, NY
MPH, Epidemiology

About Amanda

Why I Chose Dornsife: Dornsife feels like a close-knit community within a large school in an even larger city, which is exactly the environment I wanted for my MPH. Drexel's professors are so involved with student success, and the opportunity to get hands-on experience in public health in Philadelphia through research opportunities and the APE stood out to me.

Research Interests: Cancer Epidemiology, Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Data Analysis, Biostatistics, Health Disparities, Social Determinants of Health

Sophie Daghlian
Milton, MA
MPH, Environmental and Occupational Health

About Sophie

Why I Chose Dornsife: I choose Dornsife because of the opportunity to focus on my specific interests while also getting a strong and well-rounded public health education.

Research Interests: Industrial Hygiene, Public Health Communication, Health Equity

Triny Efanga
Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
MPH, Health Management and Policy

About Triny

Why I Chose Dornsife: Dornsife offers a strong program in the areas of public health I am interested in. Adding to that the diversity and variety of opportunities it offers, I just had to go here.

Research Interests: Health Policies, Global health & Urban health

My APE: I worked with Tender Grassroots (TGR), a non-governmental organization operating in both Pennsylvania and Uganda. I specifically supported the Ugandan branch and its health center, which focuses on improving health and education to break the cycle of poverty. My work was centered on strengthening the maternal and child health department, with a particular focus on improving child nutrition for children under five. Using a mother-centered approach, I developed and delivered culturally relevant health education materials that empower women as primary caregivers. In addition, I assessed key barriers contributing to persistent malnutrition within the community. This experience allowed me to apply public health theory in a real-world setting while contributing to TGR’s broader mission of building healthier, more resilient communities.

Other Activities: Research Assistant for the Health Equity Lab for Paternal Education and Research (H.E.L.P.E.R.) Lab

Emily Flanders
Pennington, NJ
MPH, Community Health and Prevention (minor in Maternal and Child Health)

About Emily

Why I Chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife because of its strong connection to the Philadelphia community and the opportunity to concentrate in Community Health and Prevention. With a background in public health, I knew I wanted to focus on community-based work and strengthen my skills by engaging with the very communities I was learning about. Drexel has allowed me to work directly with local organizations and tailor my education to my interests through its graduate minor program, giving me the chance to focus on maternal and child health while developing a broad set of public health skills.

Research Interests: Maternal and Child Health, Trauma Informed Care, Sexual and Reproductive Health

Grace Frasso
Cinnaminson, NJ
MPH, Epidemiology (minor in Infectious Disease and Population Health)

About Grace

Why I Chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife because of its reputation and the strong community feeling. Drexes program allows me to take classes that I find interesting as well as will help shape my public health career alongside my Epidemiology focused classes. I was also drawn to Drexel's Applied Practical Experience and Integrated Learning Experience. These opportunities will allow me to work outside of the classroom and gain unique skills through interactions within a community.

Research Interests: Infectious disease, Epidemiology, Vector-borne diseases

My APE: I worked with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health’s Environmental Services Vector Unit conducting mosquito surveillance for West Nile virus. I would help set traps across Philadelphia to collect adult mosquitoes and perform larval dips to identify breeding sites treated with larvicide. The mosquitoes were tested and data from Pennsylvania EPA’s Greenport database was used to help make decisions for mosquito sprays. I also performed the insecticide resistance tests for Philadelphia mosquitoes on 4 active ingredients found inside the pesticides.

My ILE: My ILE project is about the association between maternal education and child flu vaccination uptake over the different phases of the pandemic. Children aged 19 months to 35 months and their mother’s highest educational level will be used in the study using the National Immunization Survey-Child. The phases of the pandemic will include pre-pandemic (2018-2019), peak-pandemic (2020-2021), and recovery (2022-2023). The flu vaccine coverage will be analyzed throughout different phases of the pandemic to help understand if the association of maternal education on flu vaccine coverage was impacted by the pandemic.

Julie Gauthier
St. Louis, MO
MPH, Community Health and Prevention

About Julie

Why I Chose Dornsife: I picked Drexel because of the unique ability to craft and personalize my MPH through their graduate minors. Drexel also has connections to organizations in Philadelphia, the United States, and around the world! I know my Drexel education will help me develop the skills and knowledge I need for my future career.

Research Interests: Health Communication, Infectious Diseases and Vaccines, Substance Use, Sexual and Reproductive Health

My APE: My APE was at Broad Street Love, a nonprofit that provides radical hospitality and trauma-informed services to those experiencing deep poverty. I helped with daily activities and created a spreadsheet for their reentry program.

Other Activities: Teaching Assistant for PBHL 101 with Dr. Lopez-Rios; Research Assistant with Dr. Ataiants with the State Epidemiological Outcomes Workgroup

Sulaf Ghanim
Gaza, Palestine
MPH, Health Management and Policy

About Sulaf

Why I Chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife School of Public Health because its mission to advance health as a human right aligns closely with my values and professional goals. As a Fulbright Scholar from Gaza, I sought both academic and practical experiences in public health policy, and Dornsife's Applied Practical Experience (APE) provided the perfect opportunity. I completed my APE at Independence Blue Cross (IBX) headquarters in Philadelphia, contributing to projects aimed at improving health outcomes for Medicare Advantage members. This experience enhanced my understanding of policy implementation and evaluation within a large healthcare organization and reinforced my commitment to promoting equitable health policies for underserved communities.

Research Interests: My research interests include Global Health, Immigrant Health, and Maternal and Child Health. I am particularly interested in understanding how health policies and systems can be strengthened to improve access and outcomes for marginalized and displaced populations, with a focus on women and children.

My APE: I completed my Applied Practical Experience (APE) at Independence Blue Cross (IBX) headquarters in Philadelphia, where I contributed to the Government Markets Performance Team on projects focused on improving health literacy and fall-risk prevention among Medicare Advantage members.

Other Activities: I am a Fulbright Foreign Scholarship awardee for (2024–2026), representing Palestine at Drexel University. I am a Research Assistant with the Health Equity Lab for Paternal Education and Research (HELPER) under the supervision of Dr. Adaobi G. Anakwe. The lab is dedicated to advancing Black paternal health through research, education, advocacy, and community engagement. Learn more about the lab. I work as a Teaching Assistant for the PBHL 101: Foundations of Public Health undergraduate course at Dornsife.

Leah Gill
Philadelphia, PA
MPH, Health Management and Policy

About Leah

Why I Chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife because of the welcoming environment and my passion for sharing my journey with prospective students who share a passion for public health.

Research Interests: Immigrant Health, Cardiovascular Health, Healthcare Management

My APE: I worked as a Research Assistant with the Headen Research Group (HRG) under Dr. Irene Headen. In this role, I supported the development and implementation of an evaluation plan conducted in partnership with chosen.kin, a Philadelphia-based community organization that uplifts Black queer and trans birthing people and parents. chosen.kin promotes intergenerational connection and healing through storytelling, skill building, and art. My responsibilities included assisting in the development of evaluation guidelines that align with the organization’s values and strategic goals.

Other Activities: Maternal and Child Health Student Organization

Lexi Haws
West Chester, PA
MPH, Epidemiology (minor in Infectious Disease and Population Health)

About Lexi

Why I Chose Dornsife: I fell in love with Drexel's MPH program because I felt like it would allow me to tailor my degree experience exactly how I wanted. Adding a graduate minor gives me the opportunity to concentrate on my degree in epidemiology while still taking classes that interest me and will help shape my development. Additionally, Drexel is recognized as a R1 institution, and Dornsife has a wide variety of research and work when it comes to public health.

Research Interests: Legal Epidemiology, Health Policy, Health Disparities, Spatial Analysis and GIS, and Infectious Disease

My APE: My APE project was completed with Verrica Pharmaceuticals, where I contributed to clinical research and data analysis related to dermatologic treatments. I assisted with the analysis of clinical trial data evaluating the safety and efficacy of VP-315 for basal cell carcinoma, focusing on SCAR-Q and FACE-Q patient-reported outcomes, physician assessments, and lesion response data. Additionally, I supported literature reviews related to the FDA approval of YCANTH for the treatment of common warts, summarizing key findings to inform regulatory and research activities.

My ILE: My ILE project examines the association between county-level social determinants of health and preventable hospitalization rates in the United States from 2012 to 2021. Using national and state health data, I am analyzing regional and temporal trends to identify disparities in access to care and explore factors contributing to avoidable hospitalizations.

Other Activities: I currently serve as the Vice President of the Student Government Organization. I am also a Dornsife Public Health Fellow.

Leslie Howze
Pittsburgh, PA
MPH, Urban Health (minor in Public Health Emergency Preparedness)

About Leslie

Why I Chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife because of the variety of concentrated public health programs. Dornsife offers Urban Health, which aligns with my undergraduate degree. With a background in Public Administration, Emergency Medical Services, community planning, and community risk reduction, I am dedicated to achieving fair health outcomes. Drexel’s online program is perfectly designed to equip me with the skills necessary to address complex, large-scale health challenges while maintaining a full-time career in the public health field.

Research Interests: Maternal Child Health, Black Maternal and Infant Mortality, Emergency Preparedness, HPV

My APE: As part of Healthy Start Inc. Pittsburgh’s B.I.R.T.H. Initiative, I led the development of a Social Determinants of Health Directory, a community-driven, equity-centered tool designed to improve access to culturally competent resources for Black families in Allegheny County. Rooted in the BIRTH Plan, the directory responds to systemic barriers such as neighborhood displacement, lack of paid leave, underrepresentation of Black MCH workers, and disinvestment in community-based care. More than a list of services, the directory aims to reduce cross-agency fragmentation, support internal knowledge transfer, and empower families through trusted, accessible information. My work focused on identifying service gaps, curating resources, and developing strategies for dissemination and stakeholder training to ensure long-term impact and alignment with birth equity goals.

Nabelah Hussain
Upper Darby, PA
MPH, Health Management and Policy

About Nabelah

Why I Chose Dornsife: Dornsife is ranked the #1 public health school in Philadelphia and having attended Drexel as an undergrad, I was familiar with Drexel's ability to cultivate collaborative community and connect you to whoever or whatever you may need to reach your goals and dreams. Though the programs are rigorous, you are met with care and empathy wherever you go. I learn so much from my peers and faculty and I am excited to use all the tools and resources at my disposal to help pave my path as a public health professional!

Research Interests: Health Services Research, Labor Policy, Maternal and Child Health

Cammie Jones
Minneapolis, MN
MPH, Health Management and Policy (minor in Program Monitoring and Evaluation)

About Cammie

Why I Chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife because of the broad range of academic and professional opportunities it provides. I was able to customize my degree by adding a minor that aligns with career goals, and I've had the chance to participant in meaningful research with supportive faculty and peers. The APE and ILE have also been a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience outside the classroom.

Research Interests: Cancer, Health Policy and Payment Reform, Health Communication, and Care Models for an Aging Population

Aminata Kone
Philadelphia, PA
MPH, Health Management and Policy

About Aminata

Why I Chose Dornsife: I chose Drexel University's Master of Public Health (MPH) program because it offers the ideal environment for me to pursue my passion for addressing healthcare disparities and advocating for marginalized communities. My personal experiences with the inequities and systemic challenges within healthcare systems, particularly the disparities in access and quality of care have fueled my desire to explore how healthcare systems and public health intersect, both domestically and globally. These experiences have made me acutely aware of the profound impact that healthcare policies and practices can have on vulnerable populations, motivating me to seek a comprehensive understanding of these issues. Drexel's MPH program in Health Management and Policy aligns perfectly with my goal of gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to address these challenges and drive meaningful change.

Research Interests: Health Management, Health Policies, Global Health, Chronic Disease Prevention

My APE: For my APE, I interned at the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) as a Program Management and Development Intern. In this role, I supported initiatives focused on workforce development and mentorship within the field of infectious diseases, including the ID STEP and IDMentorship 365 programs. I assisted with program planning, stakeholder engagement, and process improvement efforts aimed at advancing equity and professional growth within the infectious diseases community.

My ILE: For my ILE, I am interning at the Health Federation of Philadelphia, where I am working on the Perinatal HIV Prevention Project. In this role, I assist with case reviews and data collection to identify gaps in care and improve maternal and infant health outcomes among women living with or at risk for HIV. I also support quality improvement initiatives aimed at strengthening coordination between healthcare providers and community resources.

Jabou Kora
Upper Darby, PA
MPH, Epidemiology (online program)

About Jabou

Why I Chose Dornsife: Dornsife's commitment to health equity and community engagement.

Research Interests: Epidemiology, Chronic Disease Preparedness

Yawa Kugbe
Lancaster, PA
MPH, Health Management and Policy

About Yawa

Why I Chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife because its MPH program offers the kind of public health training I value; hands-on, community-focused, and centered on real impact. The program's emphasis on health equity, urban health, and applied learning gives students the chance to work directly with communities while developing leadership and research skills. As someone passionate about prevention and expanding access to care in underserved areas, I know Dornsife's supportive environment and strong public health network will help me grow into a well-rounded and impactful public health professional.

Research Interests:Maternal and Child Health, Behavioral Health and Prevention, Health Policies

Tori Lane
Philadelphia, PA
MPH, Health Management and Policy

About Tori

Why I Chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife because it is a place where I can pursue the research that matters most to me while feeling genuinely supported doing so. My interests lie in cancer research and breaking down the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) that disproportionately hinder the Black community. This is work that requires rigorous training and a deep commitment to health equity. Dornsife offers all of these things, a broad variety of classes and research opportunities that will equip me with the knowledge I need, paired with an environment that actively values socially conscious, community-centered research. Beyond academics, what drew me to Dornsife is feeling safe in this space. Walking into a classroom or across campus, there is warmth and a genuine sense of community. Students and faculty are invested in the growth of students and their peers. I feel safe learning here during a time of uncertainty. Researching cancer and its intersections with race, inequity, and systemic barriers requires vulnerability and emotional integrity. It requires an environment where your passion for social justice is understood, not questioned. At Dornsife, I have found that. As an ambassador, I'm here to represent the non-traditional students who come from a background of adversity. We deserve to be in these spaces.

Research Interests: Cancer and SDOH hindering the Black community

Kim Malone
Philadelphia, PA
Executive MPH

About Kim

Why I Chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife because of the school's deep commitment to public health, equity, and community engagement. The School's mission aligns perfectly with my own passion for creating healthier communities through education, advocacy, and hands-on impact. Dornsife empowers students to apply knowledge in real-world settings, particularly in urban and underserved populations. I was drawn to the culture of collaboration, innovation, and service that the school represents.

Research Interests: I am interested in health equity, community health, and access to quality care in underserved populations. My focus is on addressing barriers that prevent individuals from receiving essential preventive and diagnostic services. I also have a strong interest in public health education, early disease detection, and how community-based initiatives can reduce health disparities and build trust in healthcare systems.

Nadège Mudenge
Newark, DE
MPH, Epidemiology

About Nadège

Why I Chose Dornsife: I completed my undergraduate degree at Drexel, where I had the opportunity to engage with students from the Dornsife School of Public Health who shared their positive experiences with me. Additionally, I worked with various colleagues in the hospital who guided me through their research journeys, enriching my understanding of the field.

Research Interests: Immigrant, Refugees Health; Maternal and Child Health; Infectious Disease

Jaara Ndaw
Philadelphia, PA
MPH, Global Health

About Jaara

Why I Chose Dornsife: I started my Drexel undergrad in STEM w/ Env Science and switched to Humanities under Global Studies freshman year, but maintained a concentration in Health & Sustainability. This concentration required me to take a few public health courses and I was very inspired by my professors and their disciplines in Global Health and Epi. When I was offered employment here and realized I could continue school for a lower cost, I consulted with my mentors and some Dornsife faculty before choosing to pursue my MPH in Dornsife!

Research Interests: Environmental Determinants and Onsets of Health Issues, particularly among underserved communities. I have done research on Environmental Justice issues in Afro-Latinx communities in the Spanish speaking Caribbean as well as Central America in Costa Rica via surveys to my black peers there when studying abroad. People among the African Diaspora across all continents are dying faster than other racial groups and I want to be involved in combatting this.

My APE: This summer, I assisted Dr. Ashley Gripper from the Ubuntu Center in developing her As Above, So Below Lab Launch. The lab is intended to be a safe space for those to explore their research, academic, and personal interests without the pressure of conforming to the typical research/academic structure. She also aims for the lab to be a community-building initiative as well as a platform to give back to the local community through environmentally sustainable programs. This lab launch preparation consisted of organizing an agenda for the launch event itself, as well as mockups for the lab manual and website for interested parties to reference.

Ajene Nicholson
Neptune, NJ
MPH Epidemiology (online program) (minor in Infectious Disease and Population Health)

About Ajene

Why I Chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife because I knew this public health program would shape me into exactly who I'm meant to be.

Research Interests: Infectious Disease, Environmental Health, and Global Health

Other Activities: I'm a Healthcare Research Intern with Social Tellegacy, where I contribute Tellegacy's mission to improve healthcare outcomes, intergenerational connections, and community engagement.

Sally Nyarko
Ghana
MPH, Community Health and Prevention

About Sally

Why I Chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife because of its strong focus on health equity and its commitment to addressing public health issues in urban settings like Philadelphia. With my major in Community Health and Prevention, I'm excited by the school's emphasis on real-world, community-based solutions and its leadership in research on prevention strategies. This aligns perfectly with my passion for promoting health and preventing disease in underserved communities.

Research Interests: Maternal and Child Health

My APE: My APE project with The Phan Lab under Dr. Lil Phan, focused on examining cigarillo education messaging through qualitative feedback among Black adults at risk for established cigarillo smoking.

Chizoba Okorie
Nigeria
MPH, Epidemiology

About Chizoba

Why I Chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife School of Public Health because of its transformative approach to public health education and its commitment to addressing real-world health challenges. I was drawn to Dornsife's emphasis on practical, evidence-based solutions to public health issues and its reputation for fostering an inclusive and supportive environment that encourages both academic growth and professional development. The program's dedicated focus on addressing health disparities through innovative research and community engagement makes it stand out among public health programs. What particularly resonates with me is Dornsife's commitment to conducting research that drives meaningful policy change and promotes health equity across diverse communities. The program's emphasis on translating academic knowledge into actionable solutions makes it an ideal environment for contributing to impactful research while pursuing my academic and professional aspirations in public health.

Research Interests: Trauma, Social and Immigration Epidemiology, Mental Health, Drug and Substance Use, Global Health, Health Care Access and Policy

My APE: My APE was at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute in the Social Dynamics of Intervention Lab. I analyzed caregiver social networks and empowerment among Black and African immigrant caregivers of autistic children, which produced a comprehensive manuscript and abstract for the International Society for Autism Research (INSAR) conference. I also created and led a collaborative project between the African Cultural Alliance of North America (ACANA) and the Autism Institute to develop a staff training and community workshop for African immigrant families navigating autism services.

My ILE: My ILE data analysis project examines whether adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and positive childhood experiences (PCEs) are associated with depressive disorder among US young adults aged 18-24 using BRFSS data (2022-2024). The analysis will assess independent effects of ACEs and PCEs on depression and test whether associations differ by sex/gender and race/ethnicity.

Other Activities: DSPH Student Government Organization (SGO), Vice President of Online Learning & Social Engagement/Event Coordinator; Research Assistant, Department of Health Policy & Management; Student Researcher, Health Equity Lab for Paternal Education and Research (HELPER); Graduate Research Intern, Autism Institute, Social Dynamics of Intervention (SoDI) Lab; Orientation Leader; DSPH Peer Mentor; and Medical Cannabis Research Center (MCRC) Community Advisory Board (CAB) Member

Isaac Okoye
Nigeria
MPH, Community Health and Prevention

About Isaac

Why I Chose Dornsife: Dornsife's approach to public health embodies a culture of inclusivity, shared learning, and collaboration. These qualities resonate with my personal values and professional aspirations.

Research Interests: Maternal and Child Health

Renytzabelle Ortega-Cotto
Orlando, FL
MPH, Epidemiology

About Reny

Why I Chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife for its supportive and collaborative environment, built by peers, professors, and mentors. Located in Philadelphia, Dornsife offers opportunities for practical learning and fieldwork in a diverse, real-world setting.

Research Interests: Health Disparities, Immigrant Health, Community Engaged Research

Salima Oumar-Mahamat
Mullica Hill, NJ
MPH, Epidemiology

About Salima

Why I Chose Dornsife: I was drawn to Dornsife due to the schools drive to apply classroom knowledge to real world experiences. Through opportunities like research and ILE's, I'd be able to not only study complex health issues but learn/actually tackle them.

Research Interests: Health Disparities, Maternal and Infant Health, Rare Diseases, and Non-Communicable Diseases

Daniel Palma
Sayville, NY
MPH, Epidemiology

About Daniel

Why I Chose Dornsife: Community, variety of faculty interests, and the focus in infectious disease

Research Interests: Infectious Disease

My APE: My APE was at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute.

My ILE: I'm researching willingness to receive PrEP amongst men who have sex with men in Philadelphia.

Tara Polackal
Boston, MA
MPH, Health Management and Policy

About Tara

Why I Chose Dornsife: Close connections and mentorship with professors, diverse cultures, located in a city with numerous opportunities for networking

Research Interests: Global Health, Autism, Neurodegenerative Diseases

Emily Rainey
Tampa, FL
MPH, Epidemiology

About Emily

Why I Chose Dornsife: I wanted to attend a program that fit my beliefs and research interests, and Dornsife provided that and a welcoming community! This program allows me to pursue my career interests in a setting the prepares us for our future careers.

Research Interests: LGBT Health, Health Disparities, Health Policy, Qualitative Methods

Christina Rawa
Garnet Valley, PA
MPH, Community Health and Prevention

About Christina

Why I Chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife because its mission of promoting health as a human right aligns with my passion for addressing health disparities and improving access to care in underserved communities. The school's strong community partnerships in West Philadelphia and emphasis on hands-on, practice-based learning stood out to me. I am especially drawn to Dornsife's collaborative environment, which will allow me to gain the public health foundation I need to pursue a future career in dentistry.

Research Interests: Health Inequities, Health Communication, Infectious Disease, Community Based Participatory Research

Cruz Sevilla
Chicago, IL
MD/MPH

About Cruz

Why I Chose Dornsife: I am grateful to have found a home in Dornsife in order to pursue a career in public health, outside the typical trajectory of medical residency. I hope to use my insight and knowledge from medical school to make a positive impact on those around me!

Research Interests: My interests lie in understanding how social and behavioral determinants shape patterns of disease and mortality across populations. I am particularly drawn to the evolving concept of the burden of disease, how shifts from infectious to chronic and lifestyle-related illnesses reveal deep connections between biology, behavior, and the social environment.

Disha Shah
New York, NY
MS, Biostatistics

About Disha

Why I Chose Dornsife: I chose the Dornsife School of Public Health because it offers a program that aligns with my interests, with the benefits of small class sizes. Additionally, because there is more personalized attention and opportunities to build meaningful connections with faculty, fostering a more engaging and supportive learning environment.

Research Interests: Mental Health, Sexual and Reproductive Health, Immigrant Health, Health Disparities

Sarah Simpson
Bear, DE
MPH, Community Health and Prevention

About Sarah

Why I Chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife because of the overwhelming wealth of knowledge that would be available to me. I also saw many opportunities for me to learn and grow in public health and in my career endeavors, and ever since being accepted I've been met with nothing but joy. The faculty ratio of 3:1 also ensures that all my questions will be answered and I have help readily available to me when I need it. Of course not to mention all the wonderful things to do around Philly.

Research Interests: Health Communications

Derson Smith
Pottstown, PA
MPH, Epidemiology (online program) (minor in Infectious Disease and Population Health)

About Derson

Why I Chose Dornsife: I care deeply about preventing disease, improving health equity, or advocating for underserved communities. Instead of treating one patient at a time, public health allows you to help entire populations,

Research Interests: Autoimmune Infectious Diseases

Mati Tadzong
Randallstown, MD
MPH, Epidemiology

About Mati

Why I Chose Dornsife: I choose Dornsife School of Public Health as it fosters an environment of growth not just within the classroom but throughout experiential learning, challenges students to push themselves to achieve more and do more.

Research Interests: Health Disparities, Maternal and Child Health, Global and International Health, Public Health Ethics and Qualitative Research

My APE: Over the summer, I was opportune to travel to Trujillo, Perú, where I was able to conduct research on Dengue fever and analyze what preventative measures were being taken to control the spread of the Dengue virus. While in Perú, I collaborated with Vive Perú staff on public health initiatives, primarily supporting the Parasite Prevention Program and the Health Education & Training Program. We also conducted community visits to collect laboratory samples and health data; performed home visits to counsel families on health practices and disease prevention; prepared and delivered educational presentations on disease prevention to community members; and participated in local medical campaigns aimed at improving community health outcomes. With the help of the Vive Perú staff, we were able to conduct interviews with members of the community, doctors and nurses, as well as the Regional Epidemiologist, on what measures are being taken by community members to prevent outbreaks of Dengue fever in their communities, as well as what measures are being implemented by the local health authorities to prevent and control the spread of Dengue fever.

Catherine Turner
Framingham, MA
MPH, Community Health and Prevention

About Catherine

Why I Chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife because of their commitment to social justice as a core aspect of Public Health. I wanted to pursue my MPH at a program that fosters diversity and encourages learning from others' lived experiences, whether this be from a professor or a fellow classmate. Something I also appreciated about Dornsife when looking at other MPH programs was the opportunity to do a graduate minor along with my full program, which is an incredibly unique opportunity, and I will personally be pursuing during my time here. Overall, I have loved Philadelphia for years and I am so excited to be continuing my education in an incredible city that is truly like nowhere else.

Research Interests: Maternal and Child Health, Immigration, Health Communication, LGBTQ Health, and Mental Health

My APE: I worked at Sunrise Day Camp through the Bridging the Gaps program. Sunrise is a free summer camp for Philadelphia families, and they also provide free breakfast, lunch, and snack services. At Sunrise, I provided weekly health lessons to second and third graders, focusing on age-appropriate topics like hygiene, nutrition, and mental health.

Other Activities: Secretary of the Maternal and Child Health Student Organization, Teaching Assistant for the Public Health Foundations Course

Jaz Wilder
Pittsburgh, PA
Executive MPH

About Jaz

Why I Chose Dornsife: Dornsife is recognized as an accredited institution by the Council on Education for Public health and a center of excellence for public health, both enticing reasons to pursue a public health graduate degree at the institution.

Research Interests: Health Management and Policy, Environmental and Occupational Health, Community Health and Prevention, Mental Health, Racial and Ethnic Health Inequalities, Health Disparities, Urban Health, Health Law

Haolong Yu
Dongying, Shandong, China
MPH, Epidemiology (Minor in Computer Science)

About Haolong

Why I Chose Dornsife: I chose Dornsife because of its strong focus on addressing health disparities and its outstanding faculty support. As a Dornsife International Research Fellow, I have benefited from the school's rich research opportunities and mentorship from faculty who are deeply engaged in impactful public health work. Dornsife also offers generous student financial aid and numerous resources that empower students to grow academically and professionally while contributing to meaningful public health research.

Research Interests: My research interests center on the intersection of social determinants, population health, and aging-related health outcomes. I am particularly interested in financial hardship, addressing health disparities, and cognitive decline among adults. I also enjoy applying computational and statistical methods to analyze complex health data and better understand patterns of population-level health inequities.

Filza Zuberi
Karachi, Pakistan
MPH, Epidemiology

About Filza

Why I Chose Dornsife: I chose the Dornsife School of Public Health because of its commitment to health as a human right and its focus on addressing systemic inequities through research, policy, and community engagement. As someone passionate about public health, particularly in underserved communities, Dornsife's mission resonates deeply with my personal and professional aspirations. Dornsife's diverse faculty and emphasis on experiential learning were key factors in my decision. The school's integration of real-world public health challenges into its curriculum allows students to engage directly with the communities they serve. This aligns with my goal of contributing to public health efforts not only in Pakistan but also globally, where I can make a meaningful impact in maternal and child health (MCH) equity and social determinants of health. As the only student from Pakistan under this program, I believe my unique background can contribute to the school's diversity and enrich class discussions. I aim to bring perspectives on the health challenges faced by developing nations, such as limited access to healthcare and the importance of community-based interventions. Dornsife's commitment to equity, especially through its focus on Philadelphia's public health needs, provides a model for how I hope to tackle health disparities in my home country. Moreover, the opportunity to work closely with world-class researchers and engage in interdisciplinary work in public health solidified my decision to choose Dornsife. It provides a strong platform to develop the skills I need to be a leader in public health, not only for Pakistan but in global health initiatives as well.

Research Interests: Epidemiology, Environmental Health, Behavioural Health and Prevention, Maternal and Child Health

My APE: My APE project is in collaboration with Stanford Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics, where I am working as a Research Assistant at the Stanford Food Policy Lab. The project focuses on assessing community-level perceptions and behaviors around sugar-sweetened beverage consumption to inform pre-policy implementation strategies. My responsibilities include participant recruitment, survey administration, and community engagement for data collection.

My ILE: My ILE project will build upon my experience as a Dornsife Global Development Scholar with World Vision Zambia. I plan to analyze the relationship between access to clean water, fluoride exposure, and dental health outcomes in rural communities, exploring how WASH interventions influence oral and overall health.

Other Activities: I was selected as a Dornsife Global Development Scholar, where I worked with World Vision Zambia on a Maternal and Child Health initiative and led my main project focusing on dental fluorosis and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene). I serve as Treasurer of the Maternal and Child Health Student Organization (MCHSO) and as the Associate Director of the Academic and Research Board for the International Graduate Students Association (IGSA). I also worked as an Office Assistant for the Office of Education, where I’ve helped lead initiatives on menstrual product access, food insecurity, and National Public Health Week. Additionally, I serve as a Teaching Assistant and tutor at the Korman Center, supporting students’ academic success and engagement.