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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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