Aparna Mangadu

What inspired you to study public health? 

I was originally an environmental science major in my undergrad and wanted to pursue a Master’s degree that would allow me to use what I know about the environmental to improve human health. Environmental public health was the perfect field for me to work towards this goal.

What has been the single most rewarding experience of your career/studies so far? 

The most rewarding experience has been being about to participate in so many summer research experiences where I have not only been introduced to concepts such as maternal child health, health disparities, and environmental justice, but also learning how to apply research findings to inform policy developments. It is so exciting to see how our work is making measurable changes.

Where did you do your practicum? What was it about? 

Kennedy Krieger Institute/ Ferguson RISE Summer Fellowship. I completed a research project that used data from the National Survey of Children’s Health to investigate the relationship between exposure to environmental hazards and decreased academic and community participation outcomes in children with cerebral palsy.

What do you hope to accomplish in your career? 

Moving forward in my career, I plan to gain more research analyst experience and then move on to obtaining my DrPH or PhD. After I do this, I will be able to work directly in environmental health policy and protect at risks groups from exposure to hazardous environmental elements.

Advice: 

I would tell someone starting out in public health to not be afraid to learn about every public health topic that you can. More than likely, your skills can be applied to other areas aside from your primary interest.

If you are working, what is your job? 

Graduate Research Assistant/The Ohio State University

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