MPH, Epidemiology
Go at your own pace. Everyone has a different experience within MEZCOPH and the completion of their program, do not feel behind based off where other colleagues are in comparison to you. Read the MPH listserv emails that are sent out each week!! There are so many research, job and field work experience provided in these that all you need to do is sign up or apply for! Do not forget to take time for yourself to decompress and do things you enjoy outside your program, to help not get burnt out. Talk with your cohort during orientation and within your classes in your first year! These are the people you will see in many of your classes throughout the completion of your program!
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Email:
briannecartagena@arizona.edu
Hometown:Sierra Vista, Arizona
Before entering the program:I graduated from the University of Arizona in May of 2022 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Public Health emphasis in quantitative methods. During my undergrad I participated in Arizona Ambassadors giving campus tours to incoming students, the first SAFER cohort during the pandemic and volunteered at the Vaccine Point of Distribution (POD) on campus. I was involved in MEZCOPHs first mentorship program (Public Health Applied Mentorship Program), as a senior where I was paired with a freshman within MEZCOPH and provided them with support and guidance through navigating the UofA and MEZCOPH. I completed my undergraduate internship with the non-profit organization Integrative Touch for Kids, where I assisted in different programs including TeleWellness, TeleFriend and the Podcast team.
Why did you choose public health?I chose Public Health because I wanted to be involved in every aspect of bettering the health of all individuals. Within my intro to Public Health courses I was able to learn about how integrated Public Health is with everyones day to day lifestyles. In the field of Public Health I am able to branch out and involve myself within not just my specific area of study but dip my toes into other areas as well for instance One Health, Environmental Health, Health Policy and Management. This is because one way or another they somehow overlap/intertwine and thats what I love about Public Health, it all ties together and you're not stuck in just one area.
Why did you choose MEZCOPH?I chose the MEZCOPH because I wanted to continue my education at the University of Arizona and already completing my undergrad within MEZCOPH and loving it I wanted to stay within the program. I was able to gain many skills and experiences within MEZCOPH and wanted to continue learning new skills, gaining more knowledge and being provided with many different field experiences within the program. Within MEZCOPH I have been able to be taught by amazing professors and meet some amazing colleagues that I have been able to work with from undergrad into my masters.
Public health interests:Infectious Diseases, Opioid Prevention Education, One Health, Environmental Health Cancer Prevention
Interests/hobbies outside of school:Reading, being outdoors, binging tv shows/movies, hanging out with friends and family, painting, going to concerts, traveling, diy activities.
Tip for future students:Go at your own pace. Everyone has a different experience within MEZCOPH and the completion of their program, do not feel behind based off where other colleagues are in comparison to you. Read the MPH listserv emails that are sent out each week!! There are so many research, job and field work experience provided in these that all you need to do is sign up or apply for! Do not forget to take time for yourself to decompress and do things you enjoy outside your program, to help not get burnt out. Talk with your cohort during orientation and within your classes in your first year! These are the people you will see in many of your classes throughout the completion of your program!
