Public Health Careers

Public Health Careers podcast episode with Kene Orakwue, MPH
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📲Kene Orakwue, MPH

Kene Orakwue, MPH  is a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, They have worked on a range of projects related to health equity and structural racism.

Kene is a reproductive justice and health equity scholar and practitioner dedicated to the dismantling of oppressive systems. She is fascinated by the ways in which our social structures and policies deny or grant access to, and quality of, health for certain populations. She plans to apply her findings to real-world initiatives to improve the outcomes for Black birthing people. 

She conferred a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Services from University of Massachusetts Amherst. Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management also from University of Massachusetts Amherst. Currently working towards her PhD in Health Services Research with an area of emphasis in Sociology of Health and Illness from University of Minnesota School of Public Health. 

In today’s episode you’ll hear and learn more about
1. Kene’s journey into public health being influenced by person experiences
2. Reproductive justice as a framework that addresses systemic barriers
3. How a 4 + 1 Master of Public Health was so helpful in their focus
4. How their research experiences have developed and evolved through academic experiences
5. Why they are getting formal training in qualitative research and how it enhances research rigor

And much, much more!

Chapters:
@0:00 Trailer
@3:02 How do you identify & tell us a little about your personal background?  
@5:03 Navigating pushback in equity and anti-racism advocacy
@9:52 What systemic changes are needed for equitable healthcare access?
@13:50  How can research institutions drive racial equity in healthcare?
@17:55 What does public health mean to you?
@18:50 B.S. in Public Health Services (Global Women’s Health) – UMass Amherst
@28:26 Any undergrad takeaway(s)?
@30:34 MPH in Health Policy and Management also from University of Massachusetts Amherst 
@36:47 PhD in Health Services Research & Policy (Sociology of Health) – 
@43:14 Currently a Graduate Research Assistant 
@ 54:34 Where can people connect with you and where would you like to see yourself in the future? 
@56:17 The Furious Five

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Public Health Careers podcast episode with Bryce Takenaka, MPH, CPH
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📲Bryce Takenaka, MPH, CPH on LinkedIn

Bryce Takenaka, MPH, CPH is PhD student in Public Health: Social and Behavioral Sciences at Yale School of Public Health while also being Founder and Director of REACH (Research & Education Advancing Community Health Equity)

Bryce is also a Research Fellow through the Yale AIDS Prevention Training Program at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS. 

He conferred a Bachelor’s in Public Health from Lindenwood University. He then got his Master of Public Health in Epidemiology at Saint Louis University. He is a current PhD in Public Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences at Yale University. As well as a student in a Master of Arts in History of Science and Medicine.

In today’s episode you’ll hear and learn more about
1. His journey to becoming a PhD student in Social and Behavioral Science and the challenges that come with that
2. His scholarship grounds critical and participatory approaches to mitigate structural place-based oppression among Black and Brown queer and transgender communities
3. How he centers community voices through his work using geospatial mixed-methods and epistemic justice-oriented approaches to inform responsible storytelling and decision-making to forward health and HIV justice.
4. Black feminism offers a lens to tackle systemic structures and advance health equity.
5. Research and mentorship are pivotal in shaping public health perspectives.
6. Public health should focus on promoting joy and liberation alongside addressing health disparities.
7. Why he created and shares knowledge on his platforms The Epic Demiologist to educate others and advocates for change.

And much more!

Chapters:
@0:00 Trailer
@3:12 How do you identify & tell us a little about your personal background? 
@8:15 Spatial epidemiological research focusing on HIV risk and prevention
@10:39 Black Feminism as a guide for mixed-methods approaches. 
@14:37 What does public health mean to you?
@16:25 B.S in Public Health from Lindenwood University 
@24:17 Undergrad takeaways
@26:10 MPH in Epidemiology at Saint Louis University 
@33:19 Founder and Director of REACH
@36:04 Graduate Takeaways
@37:20 PhD student in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Yale School of Public Health 
@45:32 PhD Takeaways
@48:29 The Epic Epidemiologist 
@51:49 M.A in History of Science and Medicine.
@56:30 Where can people connect with you and where would you like to see yourself in the future?
@58:20 The Furious Five

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Public Health Careers podcast episode with Dr. Sitara Weerakoon, PhD MPH
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📲 Sitara Weerakoon, PhD MPH
📲 Doughnuts and Data on IG

Sitara Weerakoon, PhD MPH is a Statistical and Behavioral Epidemiologist.

She is Associate Research Scientist in the Substances and Sexual Health Lab at Yale School of Public Health and Co-founder of @doughnuts_and_data and online platform sharing all things epidemiology and statistics.

She conferred a Bachelor of Public Health and French from Austin College in Texas.  Master of  Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Texas. PhD in Epidemiology also from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, TX. 

In today’s episode you’ll hear and learn more about
1. Dr. Sitara Weerakoon journey as a behavioral epidemiologist focusing on substance misuse and mental health among teens
2. The value she learnt about academia through engaging in postdoctoral research
3. Tips for research writing and the rewarding process of writing papers that contribute to knowledge growth of certain topic.
4. How publicly available data can be a valuable resource for research.
5. Her thought process for thinking through her next steps in academic vs industry roles

And much much more!

Chapters:
@0:00 Trailer
@3:15 Identity and personal background
@3:58 Behavioral epidemiologist 
@10:36 Lessons from sharing your PhD journey 
@13:00 How has this been helpful for you
@17:12 What does public health mean to you?
@20:55 Overview of your journey up until your doctorate degree
@25:55 PhD in Epidemiology also from UT Health 
@33:24 Postdoctoral Research Fellow for Yale University School of Medicine
@43:15 Adjunct Professor at Southern Connecticut State University
@44:08 Associate Research Scientist at Yale School of Public Health '
@51:11 Connect & future predictions
@53:22 The Furious Five 

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Public Health Careers podcast episode with Hridith Sudev, MPH
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📲Hridith Sudev, MPH

Hridith Sudev, MPH is the Founder and President for Colectivo De Paz.

Hridith is interested in solving real-world problems with a special interest in Healthcare Policy and Community Health disparities. He has 12 years of experience in healthcare, community engagement and population outreach and over 5 years experience in executive leadership and organizational power-building. Hridith is also Oman's youngest TED speaker, founder of the nonprofit Colectivo de Paz, and a published writer and poet. 

He conferred a dual Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and Psychology with a concentration in Neuroscience from University of Denver (2022). Master of Public Health with a concentration in Community and Behavioral Health from Colorado School of Public Health (2023). And in 2024, was awarded Colorado Public Health Association’s Emerging Leader of the Year Award.

In today’s episode you’ll hear and learn more about
1. How Hridith’s experience in Oman and as a third culture immigrant shaped his perspective on life, public health, and approach to this work
2.Learn about the amazing work Colectivo de Paz is doing to improve access to resources for underserved communities.
3. How community organizing is essential for addressing health disparities.
4. How Public health is about creating systems for collective well-being.
5. Why we need to center the voices of the most marginalized communities.

And much much more!

Chapters:
@0:00 Trailer
@3:00 How do you identify & tell us a little about your personal background?  
@11:17 Tell us about the importance of public health organizing?
@18:08 What does public health mean to you?
@19:49 BA in Public Policy and BS in Biological Sciences and Psychology with a concentration in Neuroscience from University of Denver 
@37:56 President for Colectivo De Paz 
@56:24 Any undergrad takeaway(s)?
@57:34 MPH with a concentration in Community and and Behavioral Health from Colorado School of Public Health
@1:04:56 Graduate School Takeaways
@1:08:41 Where can people connect with you and where would you like to see yourself in the future?
@1:11:05 The Furious Five 

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Public Health Careers podcast episode with Eric J. Daza, DrPH, MPS
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📲Eric J. Daza on LinkedIn


Eric is a Founder and Chief Editor at Stats-of-1. As well as Principal Consultant at The Discerning Statistician.

He has been a health data scientist for over 2 decades. He helps you use your own data to learn about yourself - a statistical population of one - and which of your habits are worth changing.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Neurobiology & Animal Behavior, with a minor in Cognitive Studies, at Cornell University. A Master of Professional Studies in Applied Statistics at Cornell University. A Doctor of Public Health in Biostatistics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. And completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Stanford Prevention Research Center at Stanford University School of Medicine. 

In today’s episode you’ll hear and learn more about
1. How a data scientist and biostatistician merged his experience with public health education
2. Why language in stats can significantly impact understanding and communication of health information (and dive into a little about p-value and statistical significance)
3. What is the concept of N of 1 studies and why the use of these personalized health interventions can have tremendous impact in public health
4. How he realized that grades are not the only measure of success in education (and why you should too)
5. How contract roles can lead to full time opportunities

Chapters:
@0:00 Trailer
@3:18 How do you identify & tell us a little about your personal background? 
@8:18 Tell us more about n-of-1 studies
@15:29 Advice you’d give to early career professionals in biostatistics/epidemiology?
@18:49 What does public health mean to you?
@21:23 B.A in Neurobiology & Animal Behavior, Cognitive Studies at Cornell University
@25:03 Undergrad takeaway(s)
@27:14 Master of Professional Studies in Applied Statistics at Cornell University 
@29:57 SAS Programmer and Biostatician at Astex Pharmaceuticals
@33:40 DrPH in Biostatistics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 
@44:38 Research assistant roles
@50:43 DrPH takeaways
@53:19 Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Stanford Prevention Research Center at Stanford University 
@57:41 Statistical Consultant at Clarify Health Solutions
@1:02:49 Evidation roles
@1:06:02 Current roles
@1:14:58 The Furious Five

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Public Health Careers podcast episode with Darnell Barrington, MPH
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📲Darnell Barrington, MPH  on LinkedIn

Darnell Barrington, MPH is Senior Program Analyst at National Association of County and City Health Officials. 

He is an experienced community and behavioral health specialist working to impact community level solutions.


He conferred a Bachelor in Psychology at Virginia State University then a Master of Public Health at University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

In today’s episode you’ll hear and learn more about
1. The importance of personal identity in public health advocacy and why representation is vital for effective advocacy
2. Why community engagement is crucial for effective public health initiatives
3. The importance of capacity building in community organizations and leaders to affect system changes
4. Why we need to build trust and engage with communities by listening to their needs

And much much more!

Chapters:
@0:00 Trailer
@2:38 How do you identify & How are you?   
@7:18 Experience in engagement, capacity building, and technical assistance
@15:11 What does public health mean to you?
@19:59 Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Virginia State University
@30:17 Masters Public health at The University of North Carolina at G
@40:19 Research Associate at Virginia Commonwealth University
@44:02 Program Coordinator at Virginia Department of Health
@49:14 Director Health Department Initiatives at Southern AIDS Coalition
@52:59 What is you current job?
@57:27 Certificate in Nonprofit Management from The University of Texas at Austin
@59:25 Where would you like to see yourself in the future?
@1:01:33 The Furious Five 

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in. Let's all work together towards a culture of health, wellbeing, and equity for all.

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Public Health Careers podcast episode with  Najma Dahir, BS
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📲Najma Dahir, BS, on LinkedIn

Najma Dahir, BS is an Internal Consultant III, at a larger health insurer.

She conferred a Bachelor's degree in Global Studies, and minor in Public Health at University of Minnesota and is currently pursuing dual Masters in Public Health and Social Work at University of Minnesota School of Public Health. 

In today’s episode you’ll hear and learn more about
1. How the immigrant experience shapes her perspective on health and public health.
2. The importance of grant writing in public health
3. Why listening to community needs is essential for ethical research
4. How hobbies play an important role in maintaining well-being

And much much more!


Chapters:
@0:00 Trailer
@2:38 How do you identify & How are you? 
@3:33 Grant Professional Certification from Spark the Fire Grant Writing Classes 
@5:47 Perspective on Maternal and Child Health Disparities
@10:45 What does public health mean to you?
@14:23 B.S in Global Studies, Minor in Public Health at University of Minnesota
@17:30 MS - Training Center for Development Cooperation (Tanzania)
@19:57 Undergrad takeaway(s)
@21:01 CHW, Regional Coordinator at Hennepin County
@22:25 Promoted to Senior Planning Analyst
@23:43 Educator Consultant III at King County, Seattle
@25:26 Internal Consultant III, Health Equity at a larger health insurer Premera Blue Cross
@30:13 MPH at University of Minnesota School of Public Health
@40:08 Where do you see yourself in the future + where can people connect with you?
@42:28 The Furious Five

Support the show

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Public Health Careers podcast episode with  Stephanie Wang
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📲Stephanie Wang on Linkedin

Stephanie Wang, a rising junior at Harvard, shares her journey and passion for public health.

She discusses her journey to starting the Health Disparities Think Tank, a student-led research to policy pipeline, to address health disparities and empower students to pursue research and advocacy in their areas of interest.

The Health Disparities Think Tank is an organization that focuses on addressing health disparities through research and policy advocacy.  Their model involves students working in groups, conducting thorough literature reviews, and creating papers that are used to match them with mentors.

Stephanie is also author of Epidemiology Unmasked: An Introduction to Epidemiology in Public Health.


Chapters:
@0:00 Trailer
@1:48 How are you showing up today?
@2:34 Who is Stephanie Wang?
@3:18 How your interest in public health grew?
@6:18 Interest in STEM
@9:31 Epidemiology Unmasked
@14:17 What sparked you to write a book?
@19:29 Health Disparities Think Tank
@43:29 Favorites (books, podcasts, movie, etc.)

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Public Health Careers podcast episode with Jimica Tchamako, MBA, MPH
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📲Jimica Tchamako, MBA, MPH

Jimica Tchamako, MBA, MPH a Director of Business Unit (Informatics) at The Task Force for Global Health, Inc..

With over 15 years experience working in the health sector, she is passionate about digital transformation strategies and making a positive impact in the global community. 

She conferred a Bachelor of Science in Human and Organizational Development, International Leadership and Development, and Political Science from Vanderbilt University. Master 
of Public Health in Informatics and a Master of Business Administration from Emory University. 

In today’s episode you’ll hear and learn more about
1. Her journey into public health
2. Understanding the problem and engaging stakeholders are key in managing change when adopting new healthcare technologies.
3. Sustainability in implementing software and systems in public health and health care organizations requires buy-in from people within the organization.
4. Public health is about more than disease prevention—it's about fostering thriving communities and improving quality of life.
5. An MBA offers a broader view of public health and the role of business in building communities.
6. Leadership as a Black woman in public health is challenging, but confidence and authenticity are essential.

And much much more!

Chapters:
@0:00 Trailer
@3:00 How do you identify & tell us a little about your personal background?  
@6:20 How do you approach change management?
@15:57 How do you see digital transformation shaping the future of public health?
@23:15 What does public health mean to you?
@24:56 B.S. from Vanderbilt University 
@31:18 Any undergrad takeaway(s)?
@34:20 Management Consultant at Huron 
@41:05 Senior Business Analyst and MPH in Informatics at Emory University 
@45:38 Various Roles at The Task Force for Global Health, Inc.
@1:00:04 Master of Business Administration from Emory University. 
@1:03:46 Journey from management consulting to public health leadership
@1:07:23 Where can people connect with you and where would you like to see yourself in the future?
@1:08:47 The Furious Five

Support the show

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Public Health Careers podcast episode with Dr. Marcia Zorrilla with DrPH, MPH, MCHES®, SUDRC
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📲Marcia Zorrilla, DrPH, MPH, MCHES®, SUDRC on LinkedIn

Dr. Marcia Zorrilla, DrPH, MPH, MCHES®, SUDRC is Director of Positive Youth Development and Public Health Specialist at Stanford University School of Medicine. 

She has over 25 years of experience as a health educator and a combined 27 years of experience developing the clinic’s Youth Advisory Board and providing nutrition education classes at Juvenile Justice Centers. 

She conferenced a Bachelors in Animal Sciences from Cornell University, a Master of Public Health in Community Health from New York University, a Doctor of Public Health at Loma Linda University and is certified as in Addiction and Recovery Counseling.

In today’s episode you’ll hear and learn more about
1. Working at the intersection of youth mental health and substance misuse
2. Youth advisory boards play a crucial role in public health work, providing valuable insights and empowering youth to become advocates and leaders.
3. Taking time for oneself is essential for maintaining mental health and overall well-being.
4. Program planning is a valuable skill in public health, enabling the development of effective interventions and initiatives.
5. Finding the right fit in a graduate public health program is important, so research schools and talk to alumni and current students to get a sense of the program.
6. Engaging with youth in a non-punitive way and creating spaces for learning and teaching together is crucial in substance misuse prevention.

And much more!

Chapters:
@0:00 Trailer
@2:45 How do you identify & tell us a little about your personal background?  
@8:02 Over 15 years of experience in health education
@10:37 Why is it important to have Youth Advisory Boards?
@15:25 What does public health mean to you?
@20:41 Bachelors in Animal Sciences at Cornell University 
@27:38 Masters of Public Health in Community Health at New York University
@37:39 Graduate Takeaways?
@39:56 Position for Youth at Balboa Teen Health Center 
@48:22 Doctor of Public Health in Health Education at Loma Linda University 
@54:55 DrPH takeaways or advice & Adjunct Faculty at Montclair State University
@59:05 Public Health Specialist & Director of Positive Youth Development at Stanford University School of Medicine
@1:07:35 Where would you like to see yourself in the future + Where can people connect with you?
@1:10:09 The Furious Five

Support the show

Thanks for tuning in. Let's all work together towards a culture of health, wellbeing, and equity for all.

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- The Public Health Millennial Website

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- Support on The Public Health Store