Students and Alumni

Tell us about your background and what led you to be interested in the field of public health.

I received my Bachelors in Forensic Science from Hofstra in 2020. After graduating during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, I wanted to make an impact in healthcare on a large scale. I was always interested in healthcare but didn’t think being a nurse or doctor was for me. Once I discovered the field of public health and learned that I could promote better health outcomes in a variety of different ways that didn’t involve being in a clinical setting, I was really interested and knew that this is what I wanted to do. I researched jobs and came across positions in the Food and Drug Administration, and quickly realized that getting my MPH would help me achieve this goal.

What attracted you to Hofstra University’s program?

I learned about the program during my undergrad years at Hofstra. I had friends majoring in public health and they always said great things about the professors and classes. I enjoyed my time in undergrad at Hofstra, so I knew I would like to go back for my Masters.

Tell us about your relevant experiences outside of the classroom. Share information about fieldwork and/or student organization experiences you took advantage of.

In Fall of 2021, I had the opportunity to intern at the Office of Assembly member, Khaleel Anderson, in Far Rockaway, Queens. I received this opportunity through the Applied Practice Experience course that is taken towards the end of the program. This internship allowed me to experience many facets of public health while working in a government office. I was able to see how housing and other social determinants directly impacted health.

Describe your experience working and studying with faculty in the program.

The faculty are very helpful and personable in this program. They are always willing to connect you with internships, job opportunities, and research opportunities without you having to ask. They are always looking to prepare you for a career after graduation. The faculty are always ready to answer any questions, whether it’s related to coursework or the program in general.

What are your long term professional goals and how did the program help you reach them?

The MPH program helped me achieve my goal of being a Consumer Safety Officer for the Food and Drug Administration. After interviewing for this position in 2020 right out of undergrad, I didn’t get the job because it was very competitive. But during my last semester of the MPH program, I interviewed once again and was able to land my dream career. My long-term professional goal is to stay with the FDA and continue investigating the pharmaceutical industry to keep consumers safe.

Why would you recommend this program to others?

I would recommend this program because it is versatile and flexible. Hofstra’s MPH program exposes you to all aspects of public health, from biostatistics to environmental health and everything in between. This way, you leave the program equipped with the knowledge to excel in any field of public health you choose. The schedule is also convenient and can be completed while having a full or part time job. The MPH program also provides connections with real world experiences such as internships that open up opportunities for careers after or even before graduation.

Tell us about your background and what led you to be interested in the field of public health.

I am a medical doctor who trained and has worked internationally at different capacities. After seeing the striking differences amongst various healthcare systems, I decided I wanted to learn more about the inequities in public health and how to mitigate and reduce them and a Master of Public Health seemed like the best fit.

What attracted you to Hofstra University’s program?

I was attracted to the program because of how responsive they were to my questions. It was very easy to speak to someone within the program, and the admission process was smooth with all the requirements clearly communicated. As an international student, it was imperative I was familiar with the program I joined and the ease of transferring my credentials, etc. I found the staff very helpful in this regard. The program website was very informative as well. Another positive was that the program is certified by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Tell us about your relevant experiences outside of the classroom. Share information about fieldwork and/or student organization experiences you took advantage of.

Hofstra’s MPH program is very practical and skill-based. Whatever I learned in the classroom was translated to field work because the program uses a competency-based teaching style that focuses on educational outcomes which are linked to real-life field experience. The primary goal of the program seemed to be to prepare us for the public health workforce. I had so many of these experiences with every course I took, but a memory that strikes me the most was creating a digital script as a means to promote health equity through storytelling. I created a short movie on the issues of gender health equity and the need for more advocacy, drawing inspiration from my personal experiences. I worked with various local stakeholders, including an after-school program, a healthy food program, and a program that works to promote breastfeeding. I will never forget the impact these experiences had on me.

Describe your experience working and studying with faculty in the program.

The program faculty was very helpful. It’s comprised of a diverse group of academics that extend themselves to ensure you get the most out of the program. They work closely with you to understand your career aspirations to be able to guide you appropriately, and they value your feedback.

What are your long term professional goals and how did the program help you reach them?

My time in the program geared me towards my career goals because I was able to better understand my strengths and interests, which further helped streamline my career choices. Aside from the knowledge and skills I gained from the program, its strong alumni and faculty network gave me and still continues to give support, mentorship, career advice, and work recommendations. All of these made it easier to navigate, especially as an international student.

Why would you recommend this program to others?

I would recommend the program because it has a student-driven learning style that fosters critical thinking on public health issues. It affords you transferrable skills and ways to apply the knowledge gained in the program to attain one's professional goals. Within the public health career space in New York, Hofstra MPH graduates are known as well-rounded knowledgeable and diligent professionals. I am very proud to be an alumnus. It’s a program you want to be part of.

Tell us about your background and what led you to be interested in the field of public health.

Ever since I was young I enjoyed being involved in my community and always looking for ways to help out. I also have always had a big interest in health and medicine and as I got older I told myself becoming a doctor would be the best way to combine both interests. However, after graduating with my bachelors in Pharmacology from Stony Brook University, I began to research other fields that may peak my interest and came across public health and realized that it encompassed more of the work I wanted to do. I became more interested in preventative work, outreach and research and realized that more of this is needed especially within minority communities and so I decided to pursue an MPH to learn more about public health research and programming so that in the future I can lead my own studies and programs.

What attracted you to Hofstra University’s program?

I liked that Hofstra’s program was a general one. I did not know much about public health going in, so it was really nice to have courses that covered the different areas of PH and it was also nice not having to stress about picking a specific track to do.

Tell us about your relevant experiences outside of the classroom. Share information about fieldwork and/or student organization experiences you took advantage of.

As a student of the MPH program, I worked as an event coordinator for the Public Health Fair held during National Public Health Week at Hofstra and as a graduate assistant for a faculty member whose research focused on sexual health. These two experiences helped me expand my organizational and research skills. For the health fair, I had to coordinate with several on campus and off campus organizations, as well as work with faculty and other students to help put on a great large scale event. As a research assistant, I would go to various LGBTQ+ events to conduct surveys and then I would compile the data for my professor. I would also do quick lit reviews to aid in research. These skills were super important for me because I now utilize them in my every day work as a research coordinator.  I also did an internship with a non-profit organization on Long Island focused on the needs of babies during the pandemic. One of the professors at Hofstra helped me secure this internship, and this was a great experience because I was able to see how COVID-19 affected babies and their mothers.  I was able to help provide some relief as they worked on getting back on their feet.

Describe your experience working and studying with faculty in the program.

The faculty of the Hofstra MPH program are phenomenal. They are very supportive and helpful. I have had the faculty help me find internships, research opportunities, and they also helped me secure my first job in the field. I still stay in contact to this day with some faculty and they continue to send over job opportunities and networking opportunities despite having graduated two years ago. Just an amazing faculty to learn and work with.

What are your long term professional goals and how did the program help you reach them?

My long term professional goal is to work in developing and delivering programs aimed to helping minority communities overcome health disparities. The program at Hofstra was my first step in achieving this goal. It taught me a lot of what public health is while also providing me many opportunities in the field of research.

Why would you recommend this program to others?

I would recommend this program to others because the faculty are people who really have your best interest at heart. They are very welcoming and helpful if you express your interests and goals to them. They want for you to succeed and will help in any way possible.

Tell us about your background and what led you to be interested in the field of public health.

I attended Hofstra University as an undergraduate where I majored in Community Health. I really enjoyed all of the courses I took and the program had a positive impact on the career direction I wanted to take. Learning about the many public health achievements and how public health has revolutionized the health of populations throughout the years led me to pursue my MPH degree. I strived to work in a field where I could work to improve health disparities, achieve health equity, and promote health.

What attracted you to Hofstra University’s program?

Hofstra University’s MPH program stood out to me because of its generalist approach. I loved that I would get exposure to several core areas of public health. I felt that Hofstra’s program would broaden my knowledge and skills in the field and give me a clear understanding of everything public health encompasses.

Tell us about your relevant experiences outside of the classroom. Share information about fieldwork and/or student organization experiences you took advantage of.

The internship course was a great experience for me. For my internship, I worked with the Glen Cove Senior Center on the Age Friendly Initiative, which is a program that seeks to support healthy aging by developing strategies to improve several livability domains. Throughout this experience, I gained valuable research, program planning and evaluation, communication and leadership skills. This internship had such an impact on me that I continued to work on one of the projects of the Age Friendly Initiative for my MPH Integrated Learning Experience. As part of this project, I conducted focus groups with senior members of the Glen Cove Senior Center to explore their interest, ideas and perceptions about participating in a Time Bank.

Now as an alum, I am involved with Delta Omega and the Public Health Alumni Association which have allowed me to stay connected with professors, other graduates, and current MPH students.  

Describe your experience working and studying with faculty in the program.

I formed close relationships with my professors and worked closely alongside them on different projects, which added to my experience with the program. I worked directly with one of my MPH professors as a Graduate Research Assistant for an InterProfessional Learning Service Project and continued to work closely with them throughout my internship and on my ILE project. My professors made time for one-on-one meetings to discuss my courses and to help me navigate through the program. All of my professors really wanted to see me succeed, challenge myself, and gain all that I could from the program. 

What are your long term professional goals and how did the program help you reach them?

I have goals of working in healthcare management where I hope to improve health systems and ultimately, health outcomes for patients by addressing challenges and devising solutions to ensure the delivery of high-quality care, increase access to healthcare services, and decrease costs. Hofstra’s MPH program has provided me with valuable skills and competencies that have enabled me to grow as a health professional and in my career.

Why would you recommend this program to others?

This is a great program that allows students to dive into the many dimensions of public health, broadening understanding of epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy and social and behavioral health. The program offers many opportunities to work hands-on in the field, work alongside professors, and work closely with other students. The MPH program has helped me to achieve many of my goals and has enabled me to establish new connections while also remaining connected to other graduates and professors.   

Tell us about your background and what led you to be interested in the field of public health.

Before applying for the MPH program at Hofstra, I graduated from Hofstra with two Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Communication Studies. I was always passionate about Mental Health and even spent a few years as a Helpline Volunteer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (New Jersey Office). Later, I realized through my prior experiences being a part of the March of Dimes Student Council (Child and Maternal Health) and volunteering in India at Greenpeace International (Environment), that I began to develop an interest in the different areas within public health.

What attracted you to Hofstra University’s program?

I was already an undergraduate alumni at Hofstra so it was an easy decision to want to come back and pursue my masters here. The small class sizes always allowed for strong relationships with faculty and students and provided a sense of structure in terms of the classes and course work. The courses offered in a variety of public health areas allows students to explore and find their passions! Being exposed to many disciplines makes for a worthwhile experience.

Tell us about your relevant experiences outside of the classroom. Share information about fieldwork and/or student organization experiences you took advantage of.

I have always had a passion to serve communities in need at the local and global level with the desire to improve health outcomes both physical and psychological. My previous experiences at non-profits such as Catholic Medical Mission Board and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NJ) have provided pertinent public health knowledge and skills that have prepared me to be part of the MPH program. Additionally, this program offers many great opportunities too.

Describe your experience working and studying with faculty in the program.

Working and studying with the faculty in the MPH program was such an enriching experience. The faculty is not only encouraging and helpful in allowing you to achieve your goals, but they empower you to think big and find your passion in the field! The courses are offered in a variety of public health disciplines which allows students to truly experience it all! I learned in my first semester that I was passionate about work in the Social Determinants of Health and was able to continue to find opportunities and even complete my thesis in that area!

What are your long term professional goals and how did the program help you reach them?

Currently, I am working as Project Coordinator at Public Health Solutions, the largest public non-profit in New York City. The projects that I have worked on have been for NewYork-Presbyterian, The CDC, and the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island. All of the knowledge and skills that I have acquired through my time in this program allowed me to stand out from the beginning! This program prepares you extensively for a career in Public Health through a lens focused on education, application, and leadership which is integral for real world roles in the field. In the future I hope to continue to work on various Public Health projects in more executive positions.

Why would you recommend this program to others?

This program is a great way to not only learn the knowledge and skills and that are essential to public health, but allows you to actually put them into practice. So much of the course work is directly applicable to the real world and provides great practice and preparation for a career in this field. Additionally, the relationships you make with faculty and other students just propel you toward success. The connections you make truly make this experience one of a kind!

Tell us about your background and what led you to be interested in the field of public health.

I received my Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology and minor in Sociology from Binghamton University. As an undergraduate student, I was a Research Assistant studying Lyme Disease Epidemiology with the goal of assessing the prevalence of the Lyme pathogen in ticks and rodent populations as well as their densities in New York’s Southern Tier. Here, my interest in Public Health research was founded. I was exceptionally drawn to the design and implementation of mixed method research protocols. My interest for public health quickly expanded to include non-communicable diseases focusing on health promotion, prevention and increasing access to equitable health care. I’m currently pursuing my PhD in Community Health and Health Policy at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health to further expand my public health knowledge.

What attracted you to Hofstra University’s program?

I was initially attracted to Hofstra’s MPH program due to its close location to NYC. As a Queens native, I really wanted to attend a school that was close to home and close to my full-time position at the time. Additionally, I was really intrigued by Hofstra’s flexible class schedule that catered immensely to working professionals.

Tell us about your relevant experiences outside of the classroom. Share information about fieldwork and/or student organization experiences you took advantage of.

During my graduate career at Hofstra, I was the secretary of the Society of Public Health Advocates. Here, I helped organize and participate in various public health events such as The Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, The Out of the Darkness Walk, Finals Relief, Rethink your Drink, Mindful Meditation, National Public Health Week, Healthy Heart with the American Heart Association and our annual 5k Run/Walk. Additionally, I was a graduate intern at the Farm to Preschool program within the Child Care Council of Nassau– a collaborative initiative which hosts representatives from the community, local farmers, and other stakeholders who came together to promote access to healthy food and to identify and highlight community needs. Within this internship, I was able to design a program plan (“Ready, Set, Go! A Childhood Nutrition, Education, Physical Activity and Mentorship Program Plan”) to combat nutrition, education, physical fitness and self-efficacy deficiencies in children living in low socioeconomic neighborhoods which was I also presented as my culminating experience project.

Describe your experience working and studying with faculty in the program.

While on campus, I was able to connect with various faculty members ranging from global health researchers, epidemiologist and biostaticians. In addition to networking with my class professors, I was often able to interact with other public health professionals that visited campus especially during National Public Health Week.

What are your long term professional goals and how did the program help you reach them?

My long-term career goal is to become a Global Health Researcher who designs, implements, and evaluates programs for chronic conditions. Within that field, I would like to examine health policy as a force for health equity, and use qualitative research methods to inform the delivery of evidence-based, technology-driven interventions. Furthermore, I would like to consult on global health system strengthening projects with the goal of leading organizational and societal change and using implementation science to address public health issues in low income and inequitable environments.

Hofstra’s MPH program helped to polish my leadership abilities and helped place me on the trajectory to achieving an enhanced leadership position. Shortly after I graduated from Hofstra, I earned the position of Senior Clinical Research Coordinator within the Arnhold Institute for Global Health at the Icahn school of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Currently, I am a Global Health Program Manager within that department. Here, I’m responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating programs aimed at helping health systems and their patients manage multiple chronic conditions worldwide.

Why would you recommend this program to others?

I would absolutely recommend this program to others! I truly believe that Hofstra’s MPH program helped to jumpstart my public health career and helped teach me the fundamentals needed to be aa successful Global Health Researcher. Throughout the program I have connected with so many amazingly talented individuals that I am still in contact with today. I believe the MPH program at Hofstra truly works well for working adults and allowed me to complete my degree in 1.5 years.