Where are you currently working?
Mathematica, a policy research firm dedicated to improving public well-being.
What is your current job title?
State Health & Medicaid Analyst
How did the MPH program prepare you for a career in public health practice?
DePaul's MPH program opened my eyes to the huge world that is public health. Coming into the program, my experience in the Medicaid managed care industry introduced me to the basic concepts of public health and its importance, but the MPH program itself provided me with a wealth of knowledge and the skills needed to excel in my current position (to name a few: applying quantitative and qualitative research methods, logic models, program development and evaluation, health behavior theory). I apply knowledge from these courses in my day-to-day as an Analyst working on a variety of projects dedicated to improving the health of others.
What did you like most about the DePaul MPH program?
I appreciated how engaged the professors were in students' success. They provided an environment that allowed students to ask for help if they needed it and feel comfortable doing so. In regards to coursework, I distinctly remember a project where we had to walk around a Chicago neighborhood and identify resources in the area as part of a community health assessment. It was so hands on and I loved that. The DePaul MPH program helped me find my passion. I was exposed to so many important facets of public health in this program and found my niche while gaining knowledge and honing the skills needed to actively contribute to public health work.
Examples of your experience
As a State Health and Medicaid Analyst, I recently contributed to a qualitative assessment of state policies, documents and interviews with state officials to determine a state's preparedness and response to the COVID-19 pandemic with respect to long term care; this work will be used to guide the state's future actions in the event of a potential second wave of COVID-19. It was amazing to take part in such relevant work. I am also the lead on a federal assessment initiative which evaluates each managed care state's compliance with mandatory external quality review federal regulations.