Tell us about yourself.
I graduated from the Rutgers School of Public Health in 2025 with a DrPH in Leadership, Practice, and Research. My dissertation, An Assessment of the Registered Environmental Health Specialist Workforce in New Jersey, focused on better understanding the professionals who serve on the front lines of environmental health and local public health practice. Through that work, I became even more committed to empowering, uplifting, and shining a light on the essential contributions of public health professionals whose work often happens behind the scenes but has a direct impact on community health and safety.
Professionally, my background spans environmental health, epidemiology, public health infrastructure, workforce development, regulatory practice, and health education. I have worked across state, local, federal, and academic public health settings, including roles connected to communicable disease, immunization, environmental health licensing and compliance, emergency preparedness, and public health education. Across these experiences, I have been drawn to work that strengthens systems, supports practitioners, and translates public health knowledge into meaningful action.
Why did you pursue a DrPH?
I pursued a DrPH because I have always been a naturally curious person and a lifelong learner. As a Registered Environmental Health Specialist, continuing education has always been part of my professional development, but I wanted to go beyond maintaining my license and deepen my ability to lead, advocate, and create meaningful change. I was especially drawn to the DrPH because of its focus on applied public health leadership. I wanted to become a stronger leader for the communities I serve and for the public health professionals I work alongside.
Through the program, I hoped to strengthen my skills in policy development, advocacy, systems thinking, research translation, and workforce development. Representation was also an important part of my decision. I do not often see many queer people represented in public health leadership roles, and I wanted to become part of changing that. Pursuing a DrPH was not only about advancing my own career, but also about showing up authentically, creating space for others, and hopefully inspiring future public health leaders who may not always see themselves reflected in the field.
What are you currently excited about in your job?
I am currently excited to be working with the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services, which became the first county health department in New Jersey to achieve national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board. That distinction reflects the kind of organization I am proud to be part of: one that is well-rounded, robust, and committed to continuous improvement, accountability, and high-quality public health practice. What excites me most is working alongside a strong team of public health practitioners and leaders who genuinely want to improve the health and well-being of the community.
In my role as a Public Health Planner, I help develop, implement, and evaluate public health programs and quality improvement mechanisms to monitor outcomes, optimize resources, and strengthen system capacity. I am especially energized by opportunities to identify ways to streamline operations, improve collaboration across teams, and support systems that make public health work more effective and sustainable. It feels meaningful to contribute to an organization that values both community impact and the infrastructure needed to support that impact.
If you could write a book about your life, what would the title be and why?
If I could write a book about my life, I would title it "Still Asking Questions." Curiosity has shaped so much of who I am, both personally and professionally. For me, asking questions is not just about seeking information. It is about understanding people, systems, and communities more deeply. It is also about challenging assumptions, identifying opportunities for growth, and finding better ways to serve others. Throughout my career, I have learned that some of the most meaningful public health work begins with a simple question: How can we make this better?
What is something interesting about you that we should know?
Something interesting about me is that I am very interested in genealogy and family history. I love learning about the people, places, and stories that came before us, especially because those histories shape who we are and how we understand the world around us. In many ways, that curiosity connects to my public health work too. I am drawn to understanding systems, communities, and the stories behind the data.
