April 8, 2025

Marissa Leahy’s passion for infectious disease prevention started long before she stepped into a hospital or attended a public health lecture. Growing up in Philadelphia, her interest was sparked by movies like Contagion and books like Fever 1793, which opened her eyes to the vital role of disease control and public safety. Although she initially began her academic career as an engineering major at Drexel University, she couldn’t shake her interest in public health. The calling was clear, she explored Drexel Dornsife School of Public Health’s degree offering and graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Public Health.

During her time at Dornsife, Leahy found herself immersed in a field that combined science, people, and purpose. She enjoyed courses like Intro to Epidemiology and Burden of Disease, which helped her build a strong foundation in disease surveillance. Her sociology minor added another layer to her understanding, giving her insight into the social systems and disparities that influence health. These courses weren’t just academic checkboxes, they were tools she would later use to protect hospital populations. 

What made Dornsife stand out to Leahy was the school’s emphasis on health and human rights, real-world learning opportunities, and student support.

“Dornsife’s commitment to health equity and applied learning stood out to me. The program emphasized real-world experience, which prepared me for the challenges and complexities of the field. The support I received, especially during my transition from engineering, was a key part of my growth, and I always felt like I was part of a community that truly cared,” said Leahy.

As a first-generation college student, Leahy faced unique challenges. Balancing schoolwork with jobs and personal responsibilities demanded immense focus and sacrifice. At times, the path forward felt unclear, but she stayed grounded in her purpose.

“Balancing academics, work, and personal responsibilities required a lot of discipline and support,” said Leahy. “I leaned on the mentorship of faculty and advisors, stayed organized, and remained focused on my ‘why:’ making a difference through public health.”

Mentorship played a key role in her journey—especially the guidance of her academic advisor, Karen DeVose, EdD. Dr. DeVose, whose research focused on first-gen and underrepresented students, helped Leahy navigate academic uncertainty and grow confident in her new field.

After graduation, Leahy began her career as a Disease Intervention Specialist in the STD Control Program at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health. In 2021, she joined Jefferson Health as an Infection Control Practitioner, a role that now allows her to apply everything she learned in real time.

“I rely daily on what I learned about disease transmission and prevention at Dornsife. Understanding how pathogens spread allows me to recommend the appropriate precautions to keep patients, staff, and visitors safe,” Leahy shared. “My crisis risk communication class also taught me the value of simple, tailored messaging — something that’s critical when communicating infection prevention guidance to hospital teams under pressure.”

Leahy continues to grow in her field, always eager to learn more and make a greater impact. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Population Health at Thomas Jefferson University, she is preparing to present her first abstract posters at the Association for Professionals in Infection Control (APIC) conference in June 2025. Her current focus includes healthcare-associated infection surveillance and regulatory safety, with an eye toward shaping policy and improving health systems on a broader scale.

Looking ahead, Leahy envisions herself in a leadership role while inspiring the next generation of public health professionals. Her journey from a young girl watching outbreak movies to a trusted voice in infection prevention is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the power of purpose-driven education.

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