Why did you choose the Yale School of Public Health?
I chose the Yale School of Public Health for several reasons. Firstly, I was drawn to the unique blend of being situated on a beautiful college campus while also being part of New Haven. Additionally, the proximity to my hometown of Boston provided a comforting familiarity while embarking on this new journey.
Attending the admitted students day solidified my decision further. Witnessing the integrated nature of the class structure and experiencing the sense of community firsthand was incredibly appealing. Moreover, engaging with other admitted students, who were not only impressive but also welcoming and supportive, reinforced my belief that Yale was the right fit for me. These factors made choosing Yale School of Public Health an easy and exciting decision for me.
What were you doing before enrolling at YSPH?
Before enrolling at YSPH, I had the privilege of working at Massachusetts General Hospital within the Reproductive Endocrine Unit. I spearheaded patient engagement initiatives, ensuring their active participation and smooth progression of clinical trials aimed at addressing infertility in women.
What are your favorite aspects of the YSPH academic program?
What I really appreciate about the YSPH academic program are the options it provides in terms of class selection. It’s great to have the flexibility to choose the courses that best align with my career ambitions and internship goals. This way, I can focus on learning the skills and knowledge that will be most valuable for my future endeavors.
Another aspect that stands out to me is the deep involvement of the faculty in various aspects of public health. It’s reassuring to know that there are experts readily available to provide guidance and insight into real-world public health issues. Whether it’s through lectures, office hours, or informal discussions, the accessibility of faculty members enriches the learning experience and ensures that I have the support I need to succeed.
What I really appreciate about the YSPH academic program are the options it provides in terms of class selection. It’s great to have the flexibility to choose the courses that best align with my career ambitions and internship goals.
Shreya Jadhav
Moreover, I find the level of engagement and participation from my classmates to be incredibly stimulating. The discussions we have in class are always thought-provoking and dynamic, creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their perspectives and ideas. This collaborative approach not only enhances my understanding of complex public health concepts, but also fosters a sense of community within the program.
What was your most impactful experience outside of class?
One of the most impactful experiences I’ve had outside of class has been my role as a graduate research assistant in the Substance Abuse and Sexual Health (SASH) Lab, led by Ijeoma Opara. Our lab focuses on community-based participatory research aimed at engaging youth, reducing substance abuse, and improving mental health outcomes in Paterson, New Jersey.
What sets this experience apart for me is the sense of community involvement and connection that I’ve found lacking in previous research settings. Unlike my time at MGH, where I often felt disconnected from the broader community, our work in the lab feels incredibly meaningful and directly impactful. Being able to collaborate with community members and see the tangible effects of our research efforts has been incredibly rewarding and has given me a newfound appreciation for the power of community-based research.
Do you have a favorite Yale place or New Haven food?
On campus, my favorite spot has to be the Sterling Library, especially the music library section. As for New Haven food, my favorites include Koon Thai, Olmo and Elena’s on Orange (if you have a sweet tooth like me).
What do you hope to do after graduation?
After graduation, my goal is to pursue a career in clinical research. Building upon my experiences in the SASH Lab and the knowledge gained through my MPH program, I aim to contribute to the field of clinical research in a meaningful and impactful way. One of my primary objectives is to leverage my understanding of community-based participatory research and public health principles to ensure that research practices prioritize the well-being of participants and are culturally sensitive and inclusive.
Moreover, I aspire to bring awareness to the potential harms caused by research, and to advocate for the diversification of clinical trials. By incorporating perspectives from diverse communities and populations, I believe we can improve the relevance and effectiveness of clinical research outcomes while addressing health disparities and inequalities.