Before pursuing her MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health at Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health, Lizzy earned her BA in Public Health Studies from Roanoke College with minors in Environmental Studies and Sociology. As a Sustainability & Efficiency Intern at Carilion Clinic, she supported data collection on energy and gas usage, helped develop sustainability reports, and promoted e-recycling efforts across the Roanoke Valley. She also researched how hospitals can improve their environmental performance and reduce their ecological footprint. Furthermore, she conducted and presented research on the Flint, Michigan Water Crisis at the Virginia Conference on Race, highlighting the environmental injustice of the case and the urgent need to ensure equitable access to clean water and safe living environments.
Additionally, as a Research Intern with the Center for Rural Enterprise and Environmental Justice, Lizzy examined sanitation and sewage access issues in rural communities, compiled state-level environmental data, and helped build a comprehensive sewage database to inform policy advocacy. At Drexel, she aims to deepen her understanding of how climate change drives health disparities and develop strategies that make healthcare systems more environmentally responsible and accessible for all.
Rose Litvak, 2024 Scholarship Recipient
Major: MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health
Focus: My journey toward earning a Master of Public Health with a focus on Environmental and Occupational Health began in my childhood, shaped by my parents’ teachings about the importance of respecting the world around me. Inspired by the environmental challenges in my hometown—such as the PCB-infested Lake Erie and the burning Cuyahoga River—I felt a strong urge to make a difference. Throughout middle and high school, I engaged in research projects on these issues, organized community cleanups, and led environmental clubs. Each of these experiences not only deepened my passion for the environment but also laid a solid foundation for my future endeavors.
When I began my college career at Penn State, I was introduced to the concept of "environmental health," which transformed my understanding of the relationship between humans and the environment. I became aware of how our interactions with the Earth profoundly influence our health and well-being. Through my involvement in EcoAction leadership and my coursework in environmental chemistry, I explored how living organisms are exposed to environmental hazards and the potential benefits of conservation projects on physical, mental, and social health. These experiences inspired me to pursue a Master of Public Health, specifically in Environmental and Occupational Health, allowing me to delve deeper into these critical connections.
As I complete my MPH at Dornsife, I aim to enhance my understanding of the intersection between public health, the environment, and occupations. I look forward to applying my knowledge to real-world cases in my classes, the Applied Practical Experience (APE), and the Integrative Learning Experience (ILE). After earning my degree, I plan to leverage my skills, along with my chemistry degree from Penn State, to pursue a medical career focused on patient and community-centered healthcare. As a future physician, I aspire to engage in patient care, research, and policy-making to raise awareness about the environmental hazards that Americans face daily and to promote better health for all.,/p>
Ripon Hosain, 2023 Scholarship Recipient
Major: MS in Environmental and Occupational Health
Focus: During my professional career as an Environmental and Occupational Health specialist in different industries, I was quite satisfied and excelled in the excitement of the unexpected. However, at a turning point in my life, the excitement and challenge dwindled, and I wanted a broader goal, a new way to “make a difference” in the world of Environmental and Occupational Health. With my undergraduate degree in Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety and relevant work experiences, I still felt the importance of acquiring in-depth knowledge and skill-sets by doing research in this field.
My desire for in-depth knowledge made me interested in pursuing a Master of Science degree in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences. I am passionate about environmental and occupational health because everything around us impacts our health, be it the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat or the homes we live in. My main focus from this degree is to perform research in various environmental and occupational health issues, learn analytical methodologies, and the scientific approach to reduce or eliminate these risks in the communities and workplaces.
Upon completion of my master’s degree, I look forward to working with leading industries or communities where I could perform a vital role with extensive and incorporated Environmental and Occupational Health proficiencies earned from this degree. By achieving my goals, I would be able to contribute significantly to the broad range of organizations and communities with my ultimate aim of ensuring a safer and healthier environment for everyone.
Peyton Scott, 2020 Scholarship Recipient
Major: MPH in Environmental and Occupational Health
Focus: My passion for the environment started early while playing outside in the woods behind my house. While in school, it has continued to grow as my knowledge of the environment’s importance to our own health became clearer.
I then discovered the field of public health but was unsure of what topic in the field that I enjoyed the most, until my first environmental health course. This caused me to start thinking about my future career and how I could become involved with those trying to keep the environment safe and healthy.
After graduating school, I became a member of AmeriCorps and assisted FEMA with disaster recovery in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in Florida. I witnessed the intense destruction and knew from my public health courses that storms like that are going to become more common as the climate changes. During the program, I applied for my Master's in Public Health focusing on the environment because I think it is a huge public health issue globally and needs to be addressed as soon as possible.