Samantha Wells

Tell us about yourself!

I have been working within Public Health for almost 10 years now. Having received my BS in Public Health and my MPH (Health Policy/Administration) from the University of Southern Mississippi, I am now honored to be a DrPH Candidate in Public Health Leadership at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. My research passions lie in maternal health disparities, equity in tobacco prevention & cessation, health policy and advocacy work.

Why did you pursue a DrPH?

I decided to pursue a DrPH in Public Health Leadership because I wanted to finish what I started. After completing my MPH in Health Policy/Administration, I wanted to challenge myself further and make a larger impact in underserved and underrepresented communities through advocacy and leadership.

What are you currently excited about in your job?

Within my position at the Arkansas Department of Health, I am most excited about all of the work in the community being performed. I love making those connections to relate easier to a wide range of populations in order to help improve health disparities.

If you could write a book about your life, what would the title be and why?

"The Rest is Still Unwritten: The Ongoing Public Health Adventures of a Smalltown, Mississippi Girl" because there will always be so much more left to do. We are just simply here to do our part and make our best contributions to society.