photo of Anahyra Fernandez Reyes

“During my undergraduate years at USC, I connected with faculty, research labs and community organizations that shaped my understanding of public health,” says Master of Public Health (MPH) in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior (HPEB) student Anahyra Fernandez Reyes. “Returning for my MPH felt like the natural extension of the relationships, support and opportunities I had already found here.”

With interests in maternal and child health, Anahyra Fernandez Reyes plans to integrate public health frameworks into clinical practice and contribute to culturally informed, community-centered maternal health initiatives. #IAmPublicHealth ow.ly/rMky50XR4ng @uofscalumni.bsky.social

photo of Keandra Warren

The COMD program is rigorous, but the faculty and students are warm and welcoming and seeing the science come alive in the clinic and watching my skills grow has made the journey incredibly meaningful. Keandra Warren

Speech-language pathology student Keandra Warren plans to bring specialized pediatric services to her rural hometown in South Carolina. Learn more about this month's #IAmPublicHealth student. ow.ly/i5Qz50XzXsr

photo of Richard Strater

Working with community health workers over the past six years has deeply shaped my perspective on health services and policy research. Having this direct work experience and involvement with advocacy groups in my community drives me to study what I have in the program. Richard Strater, MPH in Health Services Policy and Management Student

Richard Strater has been an Arnold School staff member since 2020, but that’s not the only reason why the Master of Public Health degree he’s currently pursuing feels like coming full circle. Learn more with this month's #IAmPublicHealth feature: ow.ly/EFAv50XlKOJ #ArnoldSchoolProud

photo of Lisa Rose

Lisa Rose has lived around the country (and even overseas), but she’s made her home in the Midlands, and she plans to stay. It’s the perfect place to make an impact in her area of expertise: using environmental health sciences to fight the opioid epidemic. ow.ly/cM0m50X4Sqx #IAmPublicHealth

photo of Peter Olejua

“The rigorous training in statistical methodologies, coupled with an understanding of regulatory landscapes and public health needs, will enable me to contribute significantly to the development and deployment of life-changing medical technologies.” Peter Olejua Ph.D. in Biostatistics Candidate

Peter Olejua began his career assessing indicators for money laundering & terrorism financing. Now he's using his biostatistics expertise to evaluate new medical technologies to ensure their efficacy, safety and impact on patient outcomes. ow.ly/lLSB50WPznI #IAmPublicHealth @uofscnewsy.bsky.social

photo of Callie Unrein

Quote that says: Mentorship truly shapes your experience. In mentorship-driven programs like you find at USC, it’s important to identify a potential mentor before applying and, if possible, secure your spot in their lab early. That foundation can make a big difference. Callie Unrein, M.S. in Exercise Science '25

Callie Unrein's experiences as a master's student have provided her with a strong foundation in research, a diverse skill set and meaningful relationships. She's looking forward to continuing these collaborations during her doctoral program this fall. ow.ly/jhqf50Wyz9Q #IAmPublicHealth

photo of Ali Alfalki

"The Ph.D. in Epidemiology program's focus on addressing real-world health disparities aligned perfectly with my interests in chronic disease and social determinants of health. Additionally, the faculty's expertise and supportive research environment made USC the ideal place to advance my training and impact." Ali Alfalki Ph.D in Epidemiology Student

This past spring, epidemiology doctoral student Ali Alfalki completed a practicum with the South Carolina Department of Health that will advance research, policy development, and community health initiatives for years to come. ow.ly/7vnv50Wj0NX #IAmPublicHealth

photo of Kim Le

It’s okay if you don’t know the exact research question or methodologies you want to use, but knowing what you want to study does make classes more fun, engaging, and could potentially speed up your timeline to graduate. Kimanh Le, Ph.D. in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior student

This month's #IAmPublicHealth story features, Kimanh Le, a Ph.D. in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior student, who is pursuing a career in user experience research and design. Read more about her journey: ow.ly/qNlF50W2wQS #ArnoldSchoolProud

photo of Celine Benedico

USC’s dedication to allowing their students to have hands-on practice has allowed me to develop the skills needed to become an effective clinician and make a difference in the lives of children and adults with communication challenges. Celine Benedico, M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology student

After graduating with a master's in speech-language pathology in August, Celine Benedico plans to work with pediatric populations, including bilingual children. ow.ly/h9sm50VLigl
#ForeverToThee25 #ArnoldSchoolProud #IAmPublicHealth

Scientific Integrity Under Threat: The Role of the IDSA, PIDS, and SHEA Journals in an Evolving Political Landscape The landscape of scientific publishing, education, and healthcare research is facing unprecedented challenges as political decisions increasingly encroach

"𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁. We must actively defend evidence-based, apolitical science and global health equity. Join us in ensuring knowledge remains driven by facts, not ideology."
Full statement: doi.org/10.1093/cid/...

#ScientificIntegrity #ScienceNotSilence #iampublichealth

Thank you @warnock.senate.gov, for standing with the thousands of fired CDC workers. These cuts weaken our national public health response. I stand with @apha.org in advocating for justice and science‑based public health policy.

#IAmPublicHealth #FiredButFighting #PublicHealth #HealthEquity

How the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service protects public health at home and abroad The Epidemic Intelligence Service has been a crucial tool in fighting diseases at home and abroad. Its impact would be impossible to replace.

To current EIS officers facing tough times—your work matters. We stand together. 🤝💪
@altcdc.altgov.info @apha.org

#IAmPublicHealth #CDC #EIS
How the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service protects public health at home and abroad theconversation.com/how-the-cdcs...

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